Abstract
One hundred cases of Lambrinudi's arthrodesis are reviewed. The shortest follow-up was one year. and the longest twenty-seven years. Thirty-seven per cent were successful. Nineteen per cent were failures; many of these were associated with faulty technique, and one method of operation which gives good results is described.
Success is likely if there is a balance of power between the dorsiflexors and plantarflexors of the ankle, especially if there is some fixed equinus before operation.
Success is less likely when the operation is done for a flail foot. In such circumstances arthrodesis of the ankle may have to be considered subsequently for instability of the lateral ligament, recurrence of dropfoot, or arthritis which may develop in the more active patients.
Age in itself is no bar to success, but pseudarthrosis is more likely to occur in patients over the age of twenty.
