FOOT & ANKLE INTERNATIONAL Copyright © 2010 by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society DOI: 10.3113/FAI.2010.1085

Background: Tibiotalocalcaneal fusion with a straight rod has a risk of damaging the lateral plantar neurovascular struc tures and may interfere with maintaining normal heel valgus position.We report the results of a prospective study of tibiotalo calcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis with a short, anatomically curved interlocking, intramedullary nail. Material and Methods: Forty-five arthrodesis in 42 patients, performed between Jan 2003 and Oct 2008, were prospectively followed. The mean followup was 48 (range, 10 to 74) months. The main indications for the proce dure were failed ankle arthrodesis with progressive subtalar arthritis, failed ankle arthroplasty and complex hindfoot defor mity. The outcome was measured by a combination of pre and postoperative clinical examination, AOFAS hindfoot scores, SF-12 scores and radiological assessment. Results: Union rate was 89 % (40/45). Eighty-two percent (37/45) reported improv