Combined autogenous iliac-crest bone-grafting and fixation with a pin or
screw was used to achieve a fusion of the talocalcaneal joint in forty-one
adults (forty-five arthrodeses). At a mean length of follow-up of
fifty-seven months (range, thirty to ninety-six months), thirty-seven (90
per cent) of the patients were satisfied with the result. Objectively, the
results were excellent after thirty-nine arthrodeses (87 per cent), good or
fair after five (11 per cent), and poor after one (2 per cent). There was
one non-union and one superficial wound infection. At the time of
follow-up, no secondary degenerative changes in the associated joints of
the hind part of the foot were identified on roentgenograms. The surgical
technique appears to be appropriate and effective in the treatment of
arthritis of the talocalcaneal joint in adults.