Outcome of Pantalar Fusion With Femoral Head Allograft in Avascular Necrosis of Talus

Background: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus is a challenging condition that is caused primarily by trauma. The severity of the talus fracture determines the risk of AVN. Severe osteonecrosis with the loss of talar integrity can be treated with arthrodesis and structural bone graft. Method: This study shows the experience of pantalar arthrodesis using hindfoot arthrodesis nail, screw fixation, and femoral head allograft in four patients. Result: All patients were satisfied in terms of pain and function after an average of 4 months postsurgery. Limb length discrepancy was <1 cm and hindfoot fusion was achieved by 3 months. The mean score for SF-36 physical function and AOFAS hindfoot score at a 2-year postpantalar arthrodesis was 88 and 80.8, respectively. Conclusion: Hindfoot ankle arthrodesis, with the usage of femoral head allograft, can be successfully used for the treatment of traumatic AVN of talus.

Automated summary

This study showed successful treatment outcomes of traumatic AVN of talus using hindfoot ankle arthrodesis with the combination of hindfoot arthrodesis nail, screw fixation, and femoral head allograft. Patients experienced significant pain relief and improved function postoperatively, with satisfactory fusion achieved within 3 months and good physical function and hindfoot scores at the 2-year follow-up.