Surgical construct type is associated with time to fusion and reoperation rate in double and isolated talonavicular arthrodeses

Abstract

Background This study evaluates the effect of surgical construct on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing isolated talonavicular (TN) or double (TN and subtalar ST) arthrodesis. TN constructs included plate and screw, screw and staple, and isolated staple constructs. Subtalar constructs included 1- and 2-screw constructs.Methods Retrospective chart review identified 52 patients who underwent double or isolated TN arthrodesis between 2016 and 2021 by a single fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with minimum 6 months of follow-up (mean = 1.62 years, range = 0.50-4.39 years). Data collected included demographics, medical history, surgical indication, surgical constructs used, complications, reoperations, patient-reported outcome measures, and radiographic measures.Results Overall complication and reoperation rates were 26.3% and 12.3%, respectively. Among TN constructs, time to ST (P = .026) and TN (P = .018) fusion was significantly slower among patients receiving a plate and screw construct. Complication rate did not differ, but reoperation rate was significantly higher for plate and screw TN constructs (P = .039). Postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) Quality of Life (P = .028) and Total (P = .016) scores were significantly better among plate and screw TN constructs.Conclusion Utilization of screw and staple or isolated staple construct have significantly quicker time to fusion and lower reoperation rates than plate and screw constructs for the TN joint.Level of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study