Long-term results after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using patellar tendon versus hamstring tendon autograft with a minimum follow-up of 10 years-a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: A lot of research addresses superiority of the two commonly used autografts bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and hamstring tendon for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, without getting to consensus. While there are numerous studies and reviews on short- to mid-term follow-up, not much literature is available on long-term follow-up. As patients suffering ACL injuries are often of young age and high athletic activity, it is crucial to have the best evidence possible for graft choice to minimize consequences, like osteoarthritis later on. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search of the online databases, PubMed and Embase, was carried out last on 31st March 2022 for studies comparing BPTB and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts for ACL reconstruction in human patients with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. The methodological quality of each study has been evaluated using the modified Coleman Methodology Score. Results on the three variables patient-oriented outcomes, clinical testing and measurements and radiographic outcomes were gathered and are presented in this review. RESULTS: Of 1299 records found, nine studies with a total of 1833 patients were identified and included in this systematic review. The methodological quality of the studies ranged from a Coleman Score of 63-88. Many studies reported no or only few statistically significant differences. Significant results in favour of BPTB were found for activity levels and for instrumented laxity testing with the KT-1000 arthrometer. Better outcomes for HT were found in IKDC-SKF, the KOOS, donor site morbidity, pivot shift test, radiographic osteoarthritis (IKDC C or D) and contralateral ACL rupture. No studies presented significant differences in terms of Lysholm Score or Tegner Activity Score, Lachman test, single-legged hop test, deficits in range of motion, osteoarthritis using the Kellgren and Lawrence classification or graft rupture. CONCLUSION: We cannot recommend one graft to be superior, since both grafts show disadvantages in the long-term follow-up. Considering the limitation of our systematic review of no quantitative analysis, we cannot draw further conclusions from the many insignificant results presented by individual studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Immediate weight bearing without immobilization for operatively treated ankle fractures is safe - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic literature review compared weight bearing (WB) vs. partial- / non-weight bearing (NWB) and mobilization (MB) vs. immobilization (IMB) for surgically treated ankle fractures. METHODS: Five databases were searched. Eligible were (quasi-)randomized controlled trials comparing at least two different postoperative treatment protocols. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB-2 toolkit. The primary outcome was complication rate, secondary outcome Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), range of motion (ROM), and return to work (RTW). RESULTS: Out of 10,345 studies, 24 papers were eligible. Thirteen studies (n = 853) compared WB/NWB, 13 studies (n = 706) MB/IMB with a moderate study quality. WB did not increase the risk for complications but resulted in superior short-term outcomes for OMAS, ROM, RTW. 12 studies found no inferior results for MB compared to IMB. CONCLUSION: Early and immediate WB and MB do not increase the complication rates but result in superior short term outcome scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I Systematic Review.

Primary prophylaxis for children with severe congenital factor VII deficiency - Clinical and laboratory assessment.

Severe congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder. Prophylaxis with replacement therapy has been suggested to patients, yet the most beneficial dosing regimens and therapy intervals are still to be defined. Due to the lack of evidence-based data, we hereby present our experience with long-term administration and monitoring primary prophylaxis in children with severe FVII deficiency and an extremely high bleeding risk. Four children with familial FVII deficiency, treated by prophylactic recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa), 15-30µg/kg/dose, given 2-3 times weekly since infancy, are discussed. Clinical follow up and monitoring laboratory assays, including thrombin generation, measured at various time points after prophylactic rFVIIa administration are presented. Among our treated patients neither FVII activity nor thrombin generation parameters (both already declined 24h post rFVIIa administration) were able to predict the impact of prophylaxis, and could not be used as surrogate markers in order to assess the most beneficial treatment frequency. However, the long clinical follow-up and comprehensive laboratory assessment performed, have shown that early primary prophylaxis as administered in our cohort was safe and effective.

Total ankle replacement in patients with haemophilic arthropathy: primary arthroplasty and conversion of painful ankle arthrodesis to arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: There are two general surgical approaches for operative treatment of end-stage haemophilic ankle arthropathy: ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacement (TAR). AIM: The aim of this study was to determine intraoperative and postoperative complications and evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of TAR in patients with haemophilic arthropathy. METHODS: Fourteen patients with a mean age of 51.4 ± 10.2 years (range = 32.9-63.7) were treated for end-stage haemophilic ankle arthropathy. Nine procedures were primary arthroplasties, five procedures were conversions of painful ankle arthrodesis to TAR. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.8 ± 2.3 years (range = 2.0-9.2). Component stability and alignment was assessed with weight-bearing radiographs. Clinical assessment was performed. RESULTS: One patient sustained an intraoperative medial malleolar fracture. In two patients, delayed wound healing was observed. In one patient, open arthrolysis was performed due to painful arthrofibrosis. Both components were neutrally aligned. Visual analogue scale (VAS) significantly decreased from 8.5 ± 0.9 (range = 8-10) to 1.3 ± 1.6 (range = 0-6). Significant functional improvement including range of motion (ROM) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was observed. The summarized components of the SF-36 physical and mental outcomes score significantly improved at the latest follow-up. Complication rates and clinical/radiographic outcomes were comparable in patients with primary TAR and conversion of ankle arthrodesis to TAR. CONCLUSION: The mid-term results following TAR or a conversion procedure in patients with haemophilic arthropathy are encouraging. However, for postoperative success, access to an experienced, multidisciplinary team including a haematologist is mandatory.

[Supramalleolar osteotomy in asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis : Short-term clinical and radiographic results]. / Supramalleolare Osteotomie bei asymmetrischer Arthrose des oberen Sprunggelenks : Kurzfristige klinische und radiologische Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: The main indication for the supramalleolar osteotomy is asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis with concomitant supramalleolar valgus or varus deformity. The aim of this prospective study was to analyze short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis. METHODS: A total of 16 patients with asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis and concomitant supramalleolar deformity - 7 patients with valgus deformity, 9 patients with varus deformity - were treated. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed after a mean follow-up of 3.6 ± 1.1 years. RESULTS: In 10 of 16 patients, removal of hardware was performed. The AOFAS hindfoot score increased significantly after surgery. All categories of the SF-36 score showed significant improvement. The average range of motion also increased significantly. Radiographic assessment showed neutral hindfoot alignment at the latest follow-up. The postoperative clinical outcomes were comparable in both patient groups. The time until complete osseous union was significantly longer in patients with opening wedge osteotomy. CONCLUSION: This prospective study demonstrated encouraging short-term results in patients with asymmetric ankle osteoarthritis who underwent supramalleolar osteotomy. In progressive ankle osteoarthritis, joint-nonpreserving treatment options including total ankle replacement or ankle arthrodesis should be discussed.

Surgical procedures in patients with haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle.

BACKGROUND: In haemophilia, the ankle joint is one of the most common and earliest joints affected by recurrent bleeding, commonly resulting in end-stage ankle osteoarthritis during early adulthood. The surgical treatment of haemophilic ankle arthropathy is challenging. PURPOSE: This review aims to highlight the literature addressing clinical outcomes following the most common approaches for different stages of haemophilia-induced ankle osteoarthritis: arthroscopic debridement, joint distraction arthroplasty, supramalleolar osteotomies, total ankle replacement, and ankle arthrodesis. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using established medical literature databases. The following information was retrieved from the literature: patients' demographics, surgical technique, duration of follow-up, clinical outcome including pain relief and complication rate. RESULTS: A total of 42 clinical studies published between 1978 and 2015 were included in the systematic literature review. Eight and 34 studies had prospective and retrospective design, respectively. The most common studies were level IV studies (64.3%). DISCUSSION: The orthopaedic treatment of patients with haemophilic ankle osteoarthritis is often challenging and requires complete and careful preoperative assessment. In general, both joint-preserving and joint non-preserving procedure types can be performed. All specific relative and absolute contraindications should be considered to achieve appropriate postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: The current literature demonstrated that orthopaedic surgeries, with appropriate indication, in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy result in good postoperative results comparable to those observed in non-haemophiliacs. The surgical treatment should be performed in a setting with the ability to have multidisciplinary management, including expertise in haematology.

Total ankle replacement in patients with von Willebrand disease: mid-term results of 18 procedures.

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a recognized cause of secondary ankle osteoarthritis (OA). Few studies have examined orthopaedic complications and outcomes in VWD patients treated for end-stage ankle OA with total ankle replacement (TAR). To determine the clinical presentation, intraoperative and postoperative complications and evaluate the mid-term outcome in VWD patients treated with TAR. Eighteen patients with VWD with mean age 47.3 years (range = 34.0-68.7) were treated for end-stage ankle OA with TAR. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.5 years (range = 2.9-13.2). Intraoperative and perioperative complications were recorded. Component stability was assessed with weight-bearing radiographs. Clinical evaluation included range of motion (ROM) tests using a goniometer and under fluoroscopy using a lateral view. Clinical outcomes were analysed by a visual analogue scale, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score and Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) health survey. One patient sustained an intraoperative medial malleolar fracture. In two patients delayed wound healing was observed. Two secondary major surgeries were performed. Pain level decreased from 8.2 ± 0.9 (range = 7-10) preoperatively to 1.1 ± 1.2 (range = 0-4) postoperatively. Significant functional improvement including ROM was observed. All categories of SF-36 score showed significant improvement in quality of life. Mid-term results of TAR in patients with VWD are encouraging. The total rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications was 33.3%. However, longer term outcomes are necessary to fully understand the clinical benefit of TAR in patients with VWD.

[Total ankle replacement in patients with bleeding disorders]. / Endoprothetischer Ersatz des oberen Sprunggelenks bei Patienten mit Gerinnungsstörungen.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle replacement (TAR) is a well-accepted treatment option in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, published literature on patients with bleeding disorders treated with TAR is limited. Therefore, we carried out this prospective study to analyze mid-term postoperative results in patients with bleeding disorders treated by TAR. METHODS: A total of 34 patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis--14 patients with hemophilia type A and 20 patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD)--treated by TAR were included in this prospective study. The mean age of patients was 46.0 ± 9.0 years. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The postoperative pain relief and functional results including range of motion (ROM) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score were assessed after a mean follow-up of 6.3 ± 3.4 years. Additionally, the quality of life was analyzed using the SF-36 questionnaire. The alignment of prosthesis components was assessed using weight-bearing conventional radiographs. The results were compared with those obtained in the control group, including 72 and 33 patients with post-traumatic and rheumatoid ankle osteoarthritis respectively. RESULTS: One patient sustained an intraoperative medial malleolar fracture. In total, three revision surgeries were necessary in our patient cohort. There was significant pain relief from 8.2 ± 0.8 to 0.9 ± 1.0, as assessed using a visual analog scale. All categories of the SF-36 score showed significant improvement. The average ROM increased from 20.1° ± 6.9° to 27.5° ± 7.4°. The AOFAS hindfoot score increased from 34.5 ± 10.0 to 82.4 ± 10.2 of a maximum of 100 points. Radiographic assessment showed the neutral alignment of prosthesis components in all patients. The postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes were comparable in both patients with hemophilia and those with VWD. Patients with bleeding disorders had significantly higher pain relief and significantly lower ROM than the patients in the control group with ankle osteoarthritis of post-traumatic or rheumatoid etiology. CONCLUSION: Our prospective study revealed encouraging mid-term outcomes after TAR in patients with bleeding disorders. However, this surgery should be limited to highly experienced foot and ankle surgeons. Furthermore, this patient cohort requires a multidisciplinary approach to ensure a good outcome.

[Risk communication in analysis of occupational health risk for industrial workers].

The article covers problems of risk communication system function on industrial enterprise. Sociologic study in machinery construction enterprise of Perm area helped to consider main procedures of informing on occupational risk for health of workers exposed to occupational hazards, to describe features and mechanisms of risk communication, to specify its model. The authors proved that main obstacles for efficient system of occupational risks communication are insufficiently thorough legal basis, low corporative social responsibility of the enterprise and low social value of health for workers. This article was prepared with the support of the Russian Humanitarian Science Foundation (Project No. 14-16-59011).

[Treatment of isolated fractures of the olecranon: percutaneous double-screw fixation versus conventional tension band wiring]. / Behandlung von isolierten Olekranonfrakturen: Perkutane Doppelschraubenosteosynthese vs. konventionelle Zuggurtung.

BACKGROUND: Isolated fractures of the olecranon account for 7-10% of all osseous injuries in adults. These fractures are usually treated surgically by conventional tension band wiring. The percutaneous double-screw fixation is an optional treatment in patients with two fragment olecranon fractures with some postoperative advantages. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 13 patients with isolated fractures of the olecranon (Schatzker-Schmelling type A) treated by percutaneous double-screw fixation were included in this prospective study. The mean age of patients was 43.6 ± 11.0 years. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Functional results were assessed after a mean follow-up of 38.2 ± 11.5 months using the Quick-DASH score. The results were compared with those obtained in the control group including 26 patients treated by conventional tension band wiring. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were observed in both groups. In the group with percutaneous double-screw fixation the scar length was significantly shorter (2.4 ± 0.4 cm vs. 11.0 ± 1.8 cm, p < 0.001) and the hardware removal was substantially less frequent that in the group with conventional tension band wiring with 38.5 % and 73.1 %, respectively. At the minimum follow-up of 2 years comparable functional results were obtained in both groups (Quick-DASH score 2.3 vs. 0.0 points, respectively, p = 0.155); however, the range of elbow motion was significantly higher in the group with percutaneous double-screw fixation (extension/flexion 145° vs. 130°, p < 0.001; pronation/supination 165° vs. 155°, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous double-screw fixation is a safe and viable treatment option in patients with isolated fractures of the olecranon (Schatzker-Schmelling type A). The functional results regarding DASH scores obtained using this technique were comparable with those observed in patients with conventional tension band wiring; however, range of elbow motion and cosmetic results were significantly better in the patient group with percutaneous double-screw fixation.

[Malleolar osteotomy--osteotomy as approach]. / Knöchelosteotomie--Die Osteotomie als Zugang.

Both arthroscopic and open surgical techniques may be used for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the ankle joint. Osteotomy around the ankle joint is a well established technique to extend the approach in cases where the osteochondral lesions are located more posteriorly. Medial, oblique, monoplanar malleolar osteotomy should be used in patients with lesions of the medial talus shoulder. The posterolateral ostechondral lesions are less frequent and in such cases distal fibular osteotomy is recommended. In this study the indications for different forms of osteotomy are discussed and the surgical techniques are described.

[Thromboembolic complications following ankle prosthesis implantation]. / Thrombembolische Komplikationen nach Sprunggelenkprothesenimplantation.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle replacement is becoming an increasingly used treatment for patients with degenerative arthritis of the ankle; however, there is limited literature available addressing the incidence of thromboembolic complications after total ankle replacement. Therefore, we performed a systematic literature review addressing thrombosis prophylaxis and incidence of thromboembolic complications after total ankle replacement. Furthermore, we evaluated the incidence of thromboembolic complications in our clinic. METHODS: A systemic literature review was performed using established medical literature data bases. The following information was retrieved from the literature: thrombosis prophylaxis and duration and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism as postoperative complication. The incidence of thromboembolic complications was evaluated in our patient cohort including 964 total ankle replacement procedures. RESULTS: A total of 21 clinical studies were included in the systematic literature review. The range of incidence of thromboembolic complications was between 0.0 % and 4.8 %. In our patient cohort the incidence of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis was 3.4 %. There were no cases of pulmonary embolism. All patients received low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: The incidence of thromboembolic complications in our patient cohort was comparable to that of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement or ankle fusion. We suggest the prophylactic use of low molecular weight heparin for patients after total ankle replacement.

[Social and behavioural factors of reproductive health in female workers (exemplified by textile factory)].

Based on analysis of sociologic poll results in a textile factory of Perm area, the authors describe main social and behaviour factors of reproductive health deterioration among female workers exposed to occupational hazards. Conclusion is high prevalence of behavioural factors of health deterioration, with occupational and household hazards in the studied group.

[Total ankle replacement for varus deformity]. / Sprunggelenkprothese bei Varusarthrose.

Coronal plane deformity has been found to be one of the main risk factors for poor clinical results, higher complication rates and failure of total ankle replacements. Initially, many authors considered a malalignment of more than 10° to be a contraindication for total ankle replacement, however, several publications later underlined the usefulness of the distinction of different etiologies of hindfoot malalignment. This subsequently led to suggestions for additional procedures in order to avoid early implant failure.The aim of the present article is to illustrate the different causes of varus malaligned arthritic ankles and to present procedures to balance these ankles at the time of replacement.

[Revision arthroplasty of the ankle joint]. / Revisionsarthroplastik des oberen Sprunggelenks.

In the last 20 years total ankle replacement has become a viable alternative to arthrodesis for end-stage osteoarthritis of the ankle. Numerous ankle prosthesis designs have appeared on the market in the past and attracted by the encouraging intermediate results reported in the literature, many surgeons have started to perform this procedure. With increased availability on the market the indications for total ankle replacement have also increased in recent years. In particular, total ankle replacement may now be considered even in younger patients. Therefore, despite progress in total ankle arthroplasty the number of failures may increase. Up to now, arthrodesis was considered to be the gold standard for salvage of failed ankle prostheses. Because of extensive bone loss on the talar side, in most instances tibiocalcaneal fusion is the only reliable solution. An alternative to such extended hindfoot fusions would be revision arthroplasty. To date, however, there are no reported results of revision arthroplasty for salvage of a failed ankle replacement.Based on our experience prosthetic components with a flat undersurface are most likely to be able to find solid support on remaining bone stock. The first 83 cases (79 patients, 46 males, 33 females, average age 58.9 years, range 30.6-80.7 years) with a average follow-up of 5.4 years (range 2-11 years) showed excellent to good results in 69 cases (83%), a satisfactory result in 12 cases (15%) and a fair result in 2 cases (2%) and 47 patients (56%) were pain free. Primary loosening was noted in three cases and of these two cases were successfully revised by another total ankle replacement and in one case with arthrodesis. Another case with hematogenous infection was also revised by arthrodesis. At the last follow-up control two components were considered to be loose and the overall loosening rate was thus 6%.This series has proven that revision arthroplasty can be a promising option for patients with failed total ankle prosthesis. The most challenging issue is the solid anchoring of available components on residual bone. More experience is needed, however, to better define the possibilities and limitations of revision arthroplasty.

[Medial pain syndrome in patients with total ankle replacement]. / Mediales Schmerzsyndrom nach Sprunggelenkprothesenimplantation.

Total ankle replacement is an increasingly recommended treatment for patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The increasing experience with this procedure explains its acceptance as a therapeutic option in complex cases as part of reconstruction surgery. However, the complication rate including failure of the prosthesis should not be underestimated. Previous studies have shown that most patients developed ankle osteoarthritis secondary to previous trauma. Patients with posttraumatic osteoarthritis often have varus or valgus misalignment of the hindfoot. In cases with incorrectly addressed hindfoot misalignment and/or incorrectly positioned prosthesis components, pain may remain postoperatively because of biomechanical dysbalance and asymmetrical load. The pain is mostly localized on the medial side the so-called medial pain syndrome.The following classification of the medial pain syndrome has been established in our practice: type I medial impingement/contracture of medial ligaments, type II valgus deformity, type III varus deformity, type IV combined varus-valgus deformity.

Haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle treated by total ankle replacement: a case series.

The standard treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis of the ankle joint in haemophilic patients has been fusion of the ankle joint. Total ankle replacement is still controversial as a treatment option. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the mid-term outcome in patients treated with total ankle replacement using an unconstrained three-component ankle implant. Ten haemophilic ankles in eight patients (mean age: 43.2 years, range 26.7-57.5) treated with total ankle replacement were followed up for a minimum of 2.7 years (mean: 5.6, range 2.7-7.6). The outcome was measured with clinical and radiological evaluations. There were no intra- or peri-operative complications. The AOFAS-hindfoot-score increased from 38 (range 8-57) preoperatively to 81 (range 69-95) postoperatively. All patients were satisfied with the results. Four patients became pain free; in the whole patient cohort pain level decreased from 7.1 (range 4-9) preoperatively to 0.8 (range 0-3) postoperatively. All categories of SF-36 score showed significant improvements in quality of life. In one patient, open ankle arthrolysis was performed because of painful arthrofibrosis. For patients with haemophilic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint, total ankle replacement is a valuable alternative treatment to ankle fusion.

[Aseptic loosening of total ankle replacement : Two-stage revision with bone augmentation of osseous defects and secondary prosthesis implantation]. / Aseptische Lockerung einer OSG-Endoprothese : Zweizeitiger Wechsel mit Knochenaugmentation ossärer Defekte und sekundärer Reimplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To remove loosened ankle prosthesis components, perform osseous defect augmentation, and reimplant definitive prosthesis components to preserve ankle range of motion. INDICATIONS: Aseptic loosening of the tibial and/or talar ankle prosthesis components with substantial bone defect. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General surgical/anesthesiological risks, infections, critical soft tissue conditions, nonmanageable hindfoot instability, neurovascular impairment of the lower extremity, neuroarthropathy, substantial nonreconstructable osseous defects with or without cysts on the tibial and/or talar side, noncompliance, primary total ankle replacement (TAR) using intramedullary fixation (stem fixation), severely reduced bone quality, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, smoking, unrealistic patients' expectations, high activity in sports. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Exposure of the ankle joint using the previous incision. Mobilization and removal of loosened prosthesis components. Debridement of bone stock. Assessment and measurement of osseous defects. Harvesting of iliac crest autograft. Screw fixation of iliac crest autograft. Placement of polyethylene inlay as a spacer. Wound closure in layers at the ankle and the iliac crest. Implantation of definitive prosthesis components. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: A soft wound dressing. Thromboprophylaxis recommended. Mobilization on postoperative day 1 using a stabilizing walking boot/cast for 6 weeks (sole contact but no weight bearing). Clinical and radiographic follow-up 3 months postoperatively including computed tomography to assess osseous consolidation. After the second surgery, patient mobilization on postoperative day 1 with 15 kg partial weight bearing using a stabilizing walking boot/cast for 6 weeks. Following clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks, full weight bearing is initiated gradually. RESULTS: From January 2007 to December 2012, a two-stage revision TAR was performed in 5 patients (46.8 and 71.4 years). The time between the initial TAR and revision was 2.4-11.5 years. No intra-/perioperative complications. Substantial pain relief in all patients. Comparable preoperative and postoperative ankle range of motion.

[Triple arthrodesis for correction of cavovarus deformity]. / Die Triplearthrodese als Baustein für die Korrektur der Pes-cavovarus-Deformität.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to correct the underlying cavovarus deformity and to achieve a pain-free and stable hindfoot. INDICATIONS: Rigid neurologic, posttraumatic, congenital, and idiopathic cavovarus deformities. CONTRAINDICATIONS: General surgical or anesthesiological risks, infections, critical soft tissue conditions, neurovascular impairment of the lower extremity, noncompliance, patients with severely reduced bone quality, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, smoking. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The talonavicular and subtalar joints are exposed using a single medial approach. Joint cartilage is carefully debrided. Hindfoot reposition with complete correction of cavovarus deformity in all three planes. Joints are stabilized using cannulated screws, followed by wound closure. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: A soft wound dressing is used. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended. Patient mobilization starts on postoperative day 1 using a stabilizing walking boot or cast for 6 weeks with 15 kg partial weight bearing. Clinical and radiographic follow-up 6 weeks postoperatively to assess osseous consolidation at the arthrodesis site. Following clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks, full weight bearing is gradually initiated. RESULTS: Between January 2012 and July 2014, triple arthrodesis was performed in 11 patients with a mean age of 62 ± 14 years due to cavovarus deformity. The mean follow-up was 34 ± 8 months (range 24-48 months). In all patients, the cavovarus deformity was substantially corrected. Significant pain relief from 7.1 ± 2.2 (range 5-10) to 1.8 ± 1.5 (range 0-4) on the visual analogue scale was observed.