Background Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is a salvage procedure for patients with severe disease of the ankle and subtalar joints.

Method We report a series of 26 consecutive patients (26 feet) operated on by a single surgeon, in a single centre, over a 4-year period, with average follow up of 26 months (range 6–50). Mean age of the patients was 57 years (range 28–72). Subjects included 17 male and 9 females. Previously the patients had undergone between 0 to 6 operations, which were unsuccessful. All these patients had combined ankle and subtalar joint arthrodesis by an intramedullary nail device. Indications for surgery were pain except the Charcot joints. Only five patients did not have severe deformity pre-operatively. Aetiology included post-traumatic osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthropathy, avascular necrosis, Charcot Marie Tooth disease, primary osteoarthritis, failed ankle replacement and alcohol-and diabetic-induced Charcot neuroarthropathy. Patients were assessed radiologically and by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, SF-12 and by patient satisfaction scores.

Results Clinically and radiologically, 15 cases have solid union. Six patients have signs of radiological non-union/ delayed union but are clinically asymptomatic with no progressive deformity. Two patients required amputation (one non-union and one infected non-union). One patient is awaiting further surgery for infected non-union. Two patients have died of unrelated causes ~2 years post-surgery. Most patients (79%) are very satisfied with the procedure and 83% would undergo the procedure again.

Conclusion These results suggest that salvage is possible in the majority of cases with combined ankle and subtalar joint arthrosis and severe deformity.