Treatment of Critical-Sized Bone Defects Involving the Ankle Joints: Staged Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Induced Membrane Technique and Intramedullary Nail

Abstract

Objectives: To report the outcomes of staged tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis for critical-sized bone defects involving the ankle joints.

Design: Retrospective review of case series.

Setting: Two academic Level 1 trauma centers.

Patients/participants: The study included 20 patients with critical-sized (≥2 cm) segmental bone defects around the ankle joints.

Intervention: Staged TTC arthrodesis was performed with induced membrane technique and retrograde intramedullary nail.

Main outcome measurements: We investigated the radiological evaluation, including modified radiographic union scale for tibia fractures score, time to union, and leg length discrepancy, and functional outcomes using foot and ankle outcome score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score.

Results: The average bone defect was 6.4 cm (range: 2.4-12.3). Two of the 20 (10%) patients developed recurrence of infection. Fifteen patients (75%) achieved primary healing. Three patients (15%) were treated with repeated bone grafting and additional plating. The average time to union and leg length discrepancy were 10 months (range: 5-21) and 9 mm (range: 0-31), respectively. The mean foot and ankle outcome score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score were 63 (range: 52-71) and 74 (range: 64-81), respectively.

Conclusions: Staged TTC arthrodesis with induced membrane technique and intramedullary nail can be an effective treatment method for critical-sized bone defects involving the ankle joints.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.