Introduction. AlloStem/Cellular Bone Allograft and autologous bone graft are accepted methods for managing hindfoot degenerative arthritis. The purpose was to evaluate outcomes of AlloStem and autograft in subtalar arthrodesis and compare overall fusion rates. Methods. This study was conducted in IRB compliance. Patients between 18–80 years who qualified for a subtalar fusion were randomized 1:1 to AlloStem or autologous graft. The AOFAS hindfoot ankle scale, FFI-R and SF-12 were collected pre-operatively, 6 weeks, 3 & 6 months, 1 and 2 year. Weight-bearing 3-view ankle X-rays were done at the same intervals. A CT scan was obtained at 6 months. Results. 140 patients were enrolled; 124 patients had surgery(60-AlloStem and 64-Control). Withdrawals included 14 voluntarily before surgery and 2 intra-operative failures. 19 were lost to follow-up. Mean age for AlloStem was 56.69(20.3–79.6) and Autograft was 54.60(20.74–80.07). 59 AlloStem patients completed their 6 month visit and 45 completed 2 years. AOFAS score improved: 40.02 at pre-op to 72.16(6 mo) to 79.51 at 1 year and 80.38 at 2 year. SF-12 improved 58.29 at pre-op to 65.67 at 6 month and 71.59 at 2 year. FFI-R improved 236.88 at pre-op to 203.53 at 6 month 149.93 at 2 year.60 Autograft patients completed their 6 month visit and 51 patients completed their 2 year. AOFAS score improved 42.89 at pre-op to 75.67 (6 mo) to 79.75 at 1 year and 78.62 at 2 year. Autograft SF-12 improved 60.55 at pre-op to 70.40 at 6 month and 75.26 at 2 year. Autograft FFI-R improved 217.16 at pre-op to 166.77 at 6 month and 145.43 at 2 year. AlloStem patients had a mean posterior fusion rate of 28.9% at 6 months whereas the Autograft had 46.3%(p=.049). Non-union rates were AlloStem(9/57)(15.7%) whereas Autograft was 3/60(5%). Conclusion. AlloStem trended to be inferior to Autologous graft

Salvage of a failed total ankle replacement is technically challenging and although a revision procedure may be desirable, a large amount of bone loss or infection may preclude this. Arthrodesis can be difficult to achieve and is usually associated with considerable shortening of the limb.

We describe a technique for restoring talar height using an allograft from the femoral head compressed by an intramedullary nail. Three patients with aseptic loosening were treated successfully by this method with excellent symptomatic relief at a mean follow-up of 32 months (13 to 50).