Talectomy and Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis in Adult Complex Hindfoot Reconstruction

Single-stage total talectomy with tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis can restore excellent function in adult patients with severe rigid, unbraceable hindfoot deformities. Talectomy allows adequate soft tissue decompression and correction of bony malalignment, restoring stability to the hindfoot axis on weight bearing. We performed single- stage total talectomy with tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis on 13 feet in 12 patients (6F; 6M) with an average age of 67 years (range, 54 to 77 y). Fusion was achieved in 9 feet (69%) at an average time of 21 weeks. In the remaining 4 feet, in which consolidation of the fusion was not achieved, the deformity remained corrected and this allowed the patients to mobilize in braces. Average duration of follow-up was 21 months (range, 12 to 52 mo). All patients had a stable, plantigrade, braceable foot and were community or household ambulators. Our data suggests that this procedure should be added to the armamentarium of procedures to salvage severe hindfoot deformities.