Abstract
Arthordesis of small joints of the foot is a commonly performed procedure in orthopaedics. A variety of fixation devices have been used for this purpose. Nickel-Titanium Memory compression staples for arthrodesis have been used in our institute since June 2003. We report the results of the procedure over a period of 7years involving 252 feet in 232 consecutive patients who underwent arthrodesis or an osteotomy fixation using compression staples. The patients were evaluated to determine the period of immobilization in cast and the time to radiographic joint fusion.
The emphasis of this study was to validate the safety of the implant for fusion of small joints of the foot, as well as to determine whether there is a demonstrable trend in time to fusion and period of immobilization required.
The average time to fusion was 7.2 weeks, the average period of immobilisation was 6.5 weeks. Successful union was achieved in 98% cases. We report the follow up results, finer technical aspects of the procedure and pitfalls to avoid whilst performing the fusions.
