Screw only versus screw plus plate in isolated talonavicular arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare outcomes of treatment of isolated talonavicular arthrodesis (ITNA) with screw only or screw plus plate, respectively.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 40 consecutive cases of ITNA [two-screw fixation patients: Group 1 (23 cases); screw-plus-plate fixation patients: Group 2 (17 cases)]. Outcome measures included radiographic findings, Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores.

RESULTS

Nonunion occurred more frequently in group 1 (21.7%) than in group 2 (5.9%), but there was no statistical significance (p = 0.216). Although the preoperative FAOS and VAS score showed similar results between both groups, there were significantly better clinical outcomes in two of five FAOS domains and VAS scores at 3 months postoperative and final follow-up (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although union rates were not significantly different, nonunion occurred more frequently in screw only group and we obtained more favorable clinical outcomes in screw plus plate group.