HINDFOOT ARTHRODESIS: EFFECT OF EARLY WEIGHT BEARING ON UNION RATE: ONE TO SIX YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Introduction: Non-union occurs at a rate of 5–10 % following ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis, but the effect of early weight bearing on union rate in these patients has not been studied. Materials and Method: We have looked at the union rate following ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis with an early weight bearing protocol in a single surgeon series between 2003 and 2008. Data was collected retrospectively on 108 patients with a total of 198 ankle and hindfoot joint arthrodesis. Results: The non-union rate was 3.4% (9 in 154 joints) in the early weight bearing group and 18% (8 in 44 joints) in the late weight-bearing group. Union rate following revision surgery with bone graft was 100% in both groups. Discussion: Early weight bearing following ankle and hind-foot arthrodesis has no adverse effect on the union rate.