A review of 51 talonavicular joint arthrodeses for flexible pes valgus deformity

Isolated Talonavicular Arthrodesis as Treatment for Flexible Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity: A Case Series

Background

For the younger, more active patient with flexible symptomatic progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), joint-sparing procedures may be preferred to preserve functional motion. Isolated talonavicular (TN) arthrodesis has been described for treatment of rigid and flexible PCFD for patients that are older and less active whose deformity is still correctable through the TN joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with PCFD treated with isolated triplanar correction with a TN joint arthrodesis.

Methods

Forty-nine patients (53 feet) with flexible PCFD underwent isolated TN arthrodesis. Weightbearing radiographs were performed pre- and postoperatively, and measurements included lateral talar-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, TN coverage angle, and the anteroposterior (AP) talar-first metatarsal angle. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Veterans-Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores were also collected.

Results

Thirty-five females and 14 males were evaluated with a mean age of 63 years, at an average follow-up of 41.3 months. Significant improvements were found radiographically. Lateral radiographs demonstrated improvements in lateral talar-first metatarsal angle from 25.2 degrees preoperatively to 9.5 degrees postoperatively (P < .001) and calcaneal pitch from 14.9 degrees preoperatively to 17.5 degrees postoperatively (P < .001). AP radiographs showed the TN coverage angle improving from 35.0 degrees to 4.9 degrees postoperatively (P  < .001) and AP talar-first metatarsal angle improving from 17.3 degrees to 5.9 degrees postoperatively (P < .001). Clinical outcomes were improved in the FAAM pain score (48.6 to 39.2, P = .130), FAAM ADL score (53.8 to 69.2, P = .002), FAAM Sport score (29.5 to 40.7, P = .099), and the overall FAAM score (47.7 to 63.1, P = .006). Patient satisfaction with medical care was 85.2/100 postoperatively.

Conclusion

Isolated TN arthrodesis is a viable surgical option for older, lower-demand patients with flexible PCFD. This study demonstrated significant improvements in radiographic alignment and FAAM scores. Comparative studies with other surgical procedures should be performed to determine which is the best technique for older, lower-demand patients with flexible PCFD.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Medial Column Fusions in Flatfoot Deformities: Naviculocuneiform and Talonavicular

Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD; commonly referred to as flatfoot deformity) is a complex condition classically characterized by hindfoot valgus, midfoot abduction, and forefoot varus. Medial column arthrodesis can be used to reliably correct severe, arthritic, and unstable PCFD involving the medial column. Although both naviculocuneiform arthrodesis and talonavicular arthrodesis have their own indications, patient selection and careful radiographic and clinical assessment are crucial for any medial column arthrodesis. Herein, the authors discuss the indications for medial column arthrodesis procedures, outcomes as reported in the literature, and several case examples using medial column arthrodesis in deformity correction.

Radiographic Outcomes of Talonavicular Joint Arthrodesis With Varying Fixation Techniques in Stage III Adult Acquired Flatfoot Reconstruction

Utilization of the talonavicular joint (TN) arthrodesis as an isolated procedure or in combination with hindfoot arthrodesis has been described in the literature for treatment of numerous hindfoot conditions. When used in isolation or with concomitant hindfoot arthrodesis, the TN joint has demonstrated nonunion rates reported as high as 37% in the literature. Despite previous research, there remains a lack of agreement upon the ideal fixation technique for TN joint arthrodesis with and without concomitant subtalar joint arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the radiographic and clinical results of TN joint arthrodesis as part of double arthrodesis procedure utilizing 4 separate fixation constructs in the treatment of advanced hindfoot malalignment in stage III adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients who underwent TN joint arthrodesis as part of double arthrodesis procedure utilizing 4 separate fixation constructs. Our results demonstrated a nonunion rate of 16.2%, with 17 nonunions identified within our patient population. One (2.4%) nonunion was observed in the 3-screw cohort, 7 (33.3%) nonunions were observed in the 2-screw cohort, 4 (16.0%) nonunions were observed in the 2-screw plus plate cohort, and 5 (29.4%) nonunions were observed in the 1-screw plus plate cohort. The difference in nonunion rate between the 4 cohorts was statistically significant. Based on these results, we conclude that the use of a 3-screw construct for TN joint arthrodesis as part of double arthrodesis procedure demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in nonunion rate and should be considered a superior fixation construct for this procedure.

Hindfoot Arthrodesis for the Elective and Posttraumatic Foot Deformity

Triple (talonavicular, subtalar, and calcaneocuboid) joint arthrodesis and most recently double (talonavicular and subtalar) joint arthrodesis have been well proposed in the literature for surgical repair of the elective, posttraumatic, and/or neuropathic hindfoot deformities. The articulation of the hindfoot with the ankle and midfoot is multiaxial, and arthrodesis of these joints can significantly alter the lower extremity biomechanical manifestations by providing anatomic correction and alignment. This article reviews the indications and preoperative planning for some of the most common procedures to address the hindfoot deformity.

Efficiency of locking-plate fixation in isolated talonavicular fusion

INTRODUCTION

Talonavicular (TN) fusion is an effective means of treating hindfoot deformity and pain. At the cost of a certain limited morbidity, it allows lasting stabilization of all of the torque joints. Non-union rates, however, are high, due to insufficient mechanical stability of the fixation. The present study assessed radiological and clinical results in TN fusion fixed by two retrograde compression screws and a dorsal locking plate.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A retrospective single-surgeon study recruited 26 TN fusions performed in 25 patients (13 male, 12 female; mean age, 54.6±15.4years) between March 1st, 2010 and February 28th, 2014. Mean follow-up was 14.9±8.7months. Bone fusion and anatomic results were assessed on dorsoplantar, lateral and Méary weight-bearing radiographs.

RESULTS

Radiologic fusion was achieved in all cases, at a mean 2.7±0.7months. Mean TN coverage angle was 21.7±10.5° preoperatively and 3.8±1.8° at follow-up. Mean AOFAS score improved significantly, from 37.2±11.8 (range, 20-53) preoperatively to 79.4±11.4 (range, 45-98) at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

TN fusion fixed by two retrograde compression screws and a dorsal locking plate provided a high rate of consolidation without loss of angular correction and with satisfactory clinical results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective.

Isolated talonavicular joint arthrodesis through minimal incision surgery

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to analyze bony fusion and functional outcomes after talonavicular arthrodesis (TNA) using an original minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

METHODS

There was a total of 11 feet in 11 patients who underwent TNA and were followed up for 47 months (range 40.8-53.1). Functional outcomes were measured by AOFAS and quality of life by eight sections of SF-36.

RESULTS

Radiographic and clinical consolidation was achieved in 10 of 11 cases. In the AOFAS score, physical function improved a mean of 34.4 points (95% CI: 23.2-45.6; p<.0001) and pain improved a mean of 23.6 points (95% CI: 17.4-29.8; p<.0001). One osteoporotic and rheumatic patient had a non-union. No cases of early complications, such as wound infections, neurovascular damage or delayed wound healing, occurred.

CONCLUSION

Isolated TNA by MIS could be an option for the treatment of TN arthritis, especially for patients at greater risk of wound healing complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Risk of osteoarthritis secondary to partial or total arthrodesis of the subtalar and midtarsal joints after a minimum follow-up of 10 years

INTRODUCTION

The goal of this retrospective, multicentre study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes in patients who have undergone partial or total arthrodesis of the subtalar and midtarsal joints.

HYPOTHESIS

Secondary osteoarthritis of the adjacent joints can negatively affect the outcomes more than 10 years after these fusion procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The outcomes of 72 fusions (total: 22; partial: 50) performed between 1981 and 2002 were evaluated using the Maryland Foot Score (MFS), self-evaluation questionnaire and three weight-bearing X-ray views (Meary's with cerclage wire around heel, lateral and dorsoplantar). The average follow-up was 15 ± 5 years (range 10-31).

RESULTS

There were two deep infections that resolved after lavage and antibiotics therapy. There were 21 early complications (10 complex regional pain syndrome, 7 delayed wound healing, 2 superficial infections, 2 venous thrombosis) that all resolved. There were five cases of non-union (6.9%) that healed after being re-operated. After five years, secondary osteoarthritis led to the fusion being extended to the tibotalar joint (1 case) and midtarsal joint (1 case). At the last follow-up, the average MFS was 71.5 (range 25-100). Patient deemed the result as either excellent (10%), very good (9%), good (55%), poor (19%) or bad (7%). Pain at the last follow-up was present in 84% of cases. The rear-foot was normally aligned in 45% of cases, varus aligned in 22% and valgus aligned in 33%. The MFS was significantly better in patients with normal alignment. Patients with neurological foot disorders had significantly more preoperative (80% cavovarus) and postoperative foot deformity (P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the rate of secondary osteoarthritis in the surrounding joints was elevated: 73% tibiotalar, 58.3% subtalar, 65.8% talonavicular, 53.5% calaneocuboid. The presence of osteoarthritis was not correlated with pain or lower MFS. However there was significantly more pain at last follow-up than at 12 months postoperative and two fusions were required in patients with secondary osteoarthritis.

CONCLUSION

Although partial or total arthrodesis of the subtalar and midtarsal joints is a reliable procedure, it induces secondary osteoarthritis. Even though it seems to be well tolerated more than 10 years after the initial procedure, this possibility must be discussed with young, active patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Osteoarthritis of the talonavicular joint with pseudarthrosis of the navicular bone: a case report

Introduction

Osteoarthritis of the talonavicular joint caused by inflammatory, degenerative, and post-traumatic arthritis has been commonly described, and isolated arthrodesis for talonavicular joint has usually been performed for such conditions. However, arthritis accompanied by pseudarthrosis of the navicular bone is an extremely rare case, and to the best of our knowledge, isolated arthrodesis for this situation has not been previously described in any published reports.

Case presentation

The patient was a 39-year-old Japanese man. He had complained of pain in his left middle foot since a fall from his motorcycle six months previously. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans revealed pseudarthrosis of the navicular bone. MRI indicated mild arthritic change in the talonavicular joint and avascular necrosis of the navicular bone. We performed an isolated arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint with two 6.5 mm cancellous screws. One year after the operation, radiographical bone union had been obtained, and the patient reported no pain and complete satisfaction with the result.

Conclusions

Isolated talonavicular arthrodesis is one of the effective procedures for the treatment of traumatic talonavicular arthritis with pseudarthrosis of the navicular bone both in providing pain relief and functional improvement.

Subtalar and naviculocuneiform fusion for extended breakdown of the medial arch

Combined subtalar and naviculocuneiform fusion was successful in restoring the longitudinal medial arch after extended breakdown while preserving the talon avicular joint. This surgical technique was shown to give a reliable fusion and biomechanically stable position of the foot. In this review article, we summarize the medial column procedures for flatfoot deformity and present our surgical technique and results of 10 consecutive patients treated with this method at a minimum 1-year follow-up.