Twenty-seven consecutive patients with posterior tibial tendon insufficiency were treated with talonavicular arthrodesis as the primary stabilizing procedure. Twenty-six patients were followed a minimum of 12 and an average of 27 months. Twenty-four patients had either no pain or pain only after heavy usage. Eleven patients were completely satisfied with postoperative foot function, 13 were satisfied, with minor reservations, and 2 were satisfied, with major reservations. Results were rated as excellent in 10 patients, good in 14 patients, and fair in 2 patients. Successful arthrodesis was achieved in all patients, although one patient required two additional bone grafts. Progressive arthrosis in adjacent joints was noted in five patients, four of whom had arthrosis preoperatively. No deterioration of foot position was seen in any patient with follow-up as long as 5 years. An isolated talonavicular arthrodesis seems to offer patients with this disorder both reliable pain improvement and lasting stability.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain at the weight-bearing surface of the heel, and may coexist with other sources of heel pain. This has led to a confusing array of treatment strategies, including surgery. We offer a simple, effective diagnostic and treatment algorithm that emphasizes nonsurgical treatment options for this often frustrating condition.
From 1963 to 1990, the senior authors (R.E.M. and K.G.H.) performed eight triple arthrodeses in seven patients with diabetes mellitus with sensory loss in the lower extremities. By clinical and roentgenographic examination, all patients were diagnosed with peritalar neuroarthropathy before surgery. All patients underwent a two-incision triple arthrodesis with internal fixation. Patient follow-up averaged 44 months and included repeat physical examinations and radiographs. All patients went on to clinical union and were satisfied with the procedure. One patient had prolonged wound drainage that resolved with antibiotic therapy; another had a residual rocker-bottom deformity and plantar ulceration that resolved after modification of custom shoe wear. We believe comprehensive management of diabetic peritalar neuroarthropathy can include surgical arthrodesis of the involved joints. The disease process and surgical indications are discussed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.