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.

Fractures of proximal humerus account for nearly 5% of all fractures. Majority of these fractures are minimally displaced and can be treated non-operatively with good functional results. However, treatment of unstable, displaced and comminuted fractures remains a challenge and optimal treatment continues to be controversial.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the results of proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plating done for treatment of displaced three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus.

Between November 2003 and February 2008, a total of 36 patients with displaced three- and four-part fractures of the proximal humerus had an open reduction and internal fixation using a PHILOS plate.

Data was collected retrospectively and clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed.

The mean follow up was 18 months. 35 (97.2%) united clinically and radiologically, with a mean neck/shaft angle of 127.1 degrees. One patient (2.8%) had revision procedure for implant failure, with a longer PHILOS plate and bone graft. The mean time to union was 9 weeks (7 to 20). The mean Constant score at final review was 72.1 (36 to 96). A total of 16 patients (44.4%) had excellent outcome, 16 (44.4%) had satisfactory outcome, but in four (11.2%) the outcome was poor.

The PHILOS plate provides good fracture stability early-on allowing early mobilisation without compromising fracture union. It requires minimal soft tissue dissection, does not need contouring and angular screw fixation gives good stability. We stress the importance of minimal soft tissue dissection to preserve the vascularity of the head, indirect methods of reduction and early mobilization.

Arthrodesis of small joints of the feet has been used for a variety of conditions. Described initially for treatment of congenital or paralytic foot deformities, arthrodesis has now been widely accepted as treatment for a range of foot disorders from inflammatory and post traumatic arthritis to acquired flat foot. A variety of fixation devices have been used to achieve compression at the Arthrodesis site.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the use of Memory compression staples in small joint fusions of the feet. The staples are made of a nickel-titanium alloy which exhibits a phenomenon called “Marmen” effect. When kept at ice-cold temperature (0–5°C), the alloy becomes plastically deformed, but, regains its original shape at body temperature. The emphasis of this study is to validate the safety of the implant for fusion of small joints of feet, as well as to determine whether the higher cost of the implant is justified by a demonstrable trend in time to fusion and period of immobilization required.

Between June 2003 and June 2008, a total of 148 feet (276 joints) had Arthrodesis using memory compression staples.

Data was collected retrospectively and clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed.

The average period of immobilization in cast was 6.8 weeks (range, 6–12). The average time to fusion was 8 weeks (range, 6–16).

The use of memory staples provides an accurate, reproducible and predictable method of achieving arthrodesis in small joints of the feet. The time to fusion is less, thereby reducing the recovery time after surgery.