Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access

Early versus late weight bearing in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis

11^th World Congress on Rheumatology, Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

July 18-19, 2018 Sydney, Australia

Hussain Al-Ramadani, Mustafa Alttahir and Angela Hatfield

Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital, Australia
Riverina Orthopaedics, Australia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Rheumatology

Abstract :

Background & Aim: The ability to mobilize without assistance is integral to maintaining independence. Patients treated with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis are often kept non-weight-bearing post-operatively. Our hypothesis is that a dynamically locked hindfoot arthrodesis nail and immediate weight-bearing does not compromise union rates or time to union. Methods: All patients who underwent hindfoot fusion nails from 2009-2017 treated with 2 different intramedullary nails (23 static in 20 patients vs. 11 dynamic locking in 11 patients) were retrospectively reviewed. Post-operative radiographs were analyzed for union and time to union and post-operative notes were reviewed for complications and revision surgery. Results: 11 patients with a dynamically locked hindfoot nail were allowed to commence full weight-bearing from day 1 postoperatively, whereas 20 patients (23 nails) were treated with a statically locked nail and kept non weight-bearing for 12 weeks. Indications for surgery were grouped into: Arthritis, inability to maintain fracture position and neuro-muscular pathology. 90% of patients in the early weight-bearing group progressed uneventfully to union and did not require any further surgery, compared with 83% in the non-weight-bearing group. Conclusion: Primary ankle and subtalar arthritis has a significant impact on weight-bearing. We believe that the use of a dynamically locked hindfoot arthrodesis nail allows immediate and simple mobilization post-operatively in a patient population who is unable to sustain non-weight-bearing. This minimizes complications, does not compromise the end goal of union, and potentially reduces hospital stay.

Biography :

Hussain Al-Ramadani works as an Orthopedic Registrar at Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital, Australia

E-mail: hussainalramadani@gmail.com