Orthopaedic surgery
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Orthopaedic surgery · May 2015
Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail with a valgus curve.
Many different techniques have been described for performing tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) in patients with severe hindfoot disorders such as failed ankle arthroplasty and failed ankle joint arthrodesis with subsequent subtalar arthritis. The use of straight retrograde intramedullary nails is extremely limited because they may interfere with normal heel valgus position and risk damaging the lateral plantar neurovascular structures. Curved retrograde intramedullary nails have been designed to overcome these shortcomings. The purpose of this single surgeon series was to investigate the outcomes of TTCA using a curved retrograde intramedullary nail. ⋯ The results of the present study indicate that TTCA using a short, retrograde, curved intramedullary nail is an acceptable technique for obtaining solid fusion and good hindfoot alignment inpatients with severe hindfoot disorders.