Triple arthrodesis of the foot with allograft through a lateral incision in planovalgus deformity

• Triple arthrodesis using structural allograft through a single lateral incision is effective.
• This is the second largest reported series using a single lateral incision.
• This is the only series of triple arthrodesis reporting the use structural allograft routinely.

BackgroundTriple arthrodesis may be performed using various surgical approaches, most typically through two incisions and without structural bone graft. We have found that a single lateral incision allows adequate surgical exposure and structural bone graft facilitates lateral column reconstruction.MethodsA consecutive series of 30 triple arthrodeses with additive bone graft using a single lateral incision. Outcome measures were SF12 score, Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire index score, visual analogue pain score and satisfaction scores, and radiographic assessment at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively.ResultsStatistically significant improvements were seen in all measured outcomes, except the SF12 mental component score. The union rate was 100% with no loss of correction at 12 months. Twenty-nine out of 30 patients were satisfied.ConclusionsIn this series, triple arthrodesis using structural allograft through a single lateral incision was safe and effective, with restoration and maintenance of surgical deformity correction and foot length.