J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2024 Dec;28(4):165-168. 10.14193/jkfas.2024.28.4.165.

Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis Using Talar Allograft: A Case Report

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea
  • 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea

Abstract

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is a limb salvage procedure for severe hindfoot disease and ankle deformity. Previous studies have reported several procedures, but controversy remains regarding its standard procedure. Talar body osteonecrosis can be a devastating condition that is difficult to manage surgically. Advanced-stage disease with extensive talus involvement may require a TTC arthrodesis, and the procedure frequently requires a structural bulk bone graft. A femoral head allograft and intramedullary nailing have been used to solve these problems, but a high rate of non-union was reported. The use of a talus allograft for TTC arthrodesis has been reported to achieve a higher union rate and lower complication rate. In the present case report, a patient with severe talar osteonecrosis was treated successfully with TTC arthrodesis using a talar allograft. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report in South Korea regarding the treatment of talar osteonecrosis using TTC arthrodesis with a talar allograft.

Keyword

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis; Talar osteonecrosis; Femoral head allograft; Talus allograft

Figure

  • Figure 1 Preoperative simple ankle radiographs (A, B) and magnetic resonance imaging images (C, D) showing collapse of subtalar joint with bone destruction of talus and calcaneus.

  • Figure 2 Intraoperative images showing resection of distal fibula (A), destruction of talas and calcaneus (B), and resected necrotic bone (C).

  • Figure 3 Intraoperative images showing joint preservation of calcaneus (A, B) and talus (C, D).

  • Figure 4 Postoperative simple ankle radiographs with anteroposterior (A) and lateral (B) images.

  • Figure 5 2-year follow up simple ankle radiographs with anteroposterior (A) and lateral (B) images.


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