Dorsal Modified Calcaneal Plate for Extensive Midfoot Arthrodesis

Abstract

Background: Extensive midfoot fusions can be challenging because of bone loss, deformity, and soft tissue anatomy. Several options have been advocated, including multiple screw fixation, medial plating, and plantar plating. We report a new technique using a dorsally-placed, modified calcaneal plate for treatment of this difficult clinical problem. Methods: Patients undergoing extensive (more than four joints) midfoot arthrodeses with a dorsally-placed, modified calcaneal plate between 2000 and 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnoses included Charcot arthropathy (four), osteoarthritis (two), posttraumatic osteoarthritis (two), massive bone loss from previous infection (one), and residual clubfoot deformity (one). Patients with active midfoot infections were excluded. During the study period, midfoot arthrodeses with a dorsal calcaneal plate were done in 10 patients. Of these, nine patients were available for review. Arthrodeses were attempted in 62 joints in these nine patients. Autogenous grafting was used in three patients (23 joints), allograft was used in six patients (39 joints). Patients were maintained nonweightbearing until radiographs or computed tomography conclusively showed union. Results: One of the 10 patients died from an unrelated cause. In the nine remaining patents, 95% (59 of 62) of joints fused within 4 months of surgery. Postoperative complications included nonunion with broken screws in one patient, and three wound problems successfully treated with local dressings. Secondary procedures included one revision arthrodesis and two hardware removals. Patient satisfaction with this procedure was very high (eight of nine). Conclusions: The use of a dorsal calcaneal plate is a viable method of fixation for achieving fusion in extensive midfoot arthropathy. The plate is low-profile and easily moldable to conform to dorsal midfoot anatomy. It can be placed without extensive plantar or medial foot dissection and maintains midfoot alignment until bony fusion occurs. In patients with complex midfoot pathology requiring multijoint fusions, the results have been satisfactory.