Alvarez R
ABSTRACT
Arthrodesis of the hindfoot and/or ankle is a commonly performed procedure for ankle or subtalar joint arthritis. Extensive arthrodesis for involvement of both the ankle and subtalar joints is performed more rarely, but is not uncommon. In all cases of hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis, positioning of the foot relative to the mechanical axis of the limb is extremely important. With proper alignment of the foot and appropriate shoe wear modifications, near normal gait can be expected.
Extensive hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis is not without complications, however. Previous reports have noted problems with nonunion, malunion, progression of arthritis in adjacent joints, infection, and wound healing. To our knowledge, however, the possibility of tibial stress fractures has not been fully considered.
This report describes three cases of tibial stress fractures following extensive hindfoot and ankle arthrodesis.
Copyright © 1996 (Foot Ankle Int. Sep;17(9):583-584 Comment on: Foot Ankle Int. 1995 Jul;16(7):445-448) by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, Inc., originally published in Foot & Ankle International, and reproduced here with permission.