Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nail for Charcot neuroarthropathy of foot - A prospective observational study

Background: Surgical treatment is often needed for Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of foot. Even though good outcomes were reported with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) in CN patients, the choice implant still an issue. The aim study was to evaluate TTCA retrograde intramedullary nail, patients CN. Materials and methods: A prospective observational done 41 consecutive treated hindfoot IM nail. American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) score used outcome evaluation, one year after surgery. Results: mean age 67.4(±8.7) years, 63.5% females. Most common cause diabetes mellitus (75.6%), followed by post-traumatic (19.5%) chronic alcoholism (4.9%). Eleven (26.8%) had at end 1 compared five (12.2%) pre-op twenty (48.8%) fair fifteen (36.6%). AOFAS increased surgery (p value 0.001). In time taken union more than 6 months; 15 (36.6%) occurred within months Six (14.6%) non-union. Two (4.9%) deep infection along Hardware failure seen 3 (7.3%) patients. non-union (2.4%). Four (9.8%) superficial wound amputation (2.4%) patient. Conclusion: Tibiotalocalcaneal nail acceptable safe procedure clinical arthropathy which obviates need amputation. Keywords: neuroarthropathy; arthrodesis; nail;