Triple arthrodesis of the foot with allograft through a lateral incision in planovalgus deformity.

BACKGROUND

Triple arthrodesis may be performed using various surgical approaches, most typically through two incisions and without structural bone graft. We have found that a single lateral incision allows adequate surgical exposure and structural bone graft facilitates lateral column reconstruction.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 30 triple arthrodeses with additive bone graft using a single lateral incision. Outcome measures were SF12 score, Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire index score, visual analogue pain score and satisfaction scores, and radiographic assessment at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements were seen in all measured outcomes, except the SF12 mental component score. The union rate was 100% with no loss of correction at 12 months. Twenty-nine out of 30 patients were satisfied.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, triple arthrodesis using structural allograft through a single lateral incision was safe and effective, with restoration and maintenance of surgical deformity correction and foot length.