Long-term follow-up of triple arthrodesis.

Thirty-seven children in whom 46 triple arthrodeses had been performed were followed up for 19 to 33 years (average, 24 years). Better results were evident in patients who had been operated on because of poliomyelitis, pes cavus or pes planus than in patients operated on for club foot, cerebral palsy or spina bifida. The use of staples appeared to improve the result. A neutral position of the heel is desirable. Varus positions required revision in three patients. A heel-toe gait was noticeable in 74% of patients. Osteoarthritis occurred 24% and pseudarthrosis in 4% of our patients. In 91% of patients the functional result could be described as good or excellent.