Trephine arthrodesis of the foot and ankle: indications, operative technique, and long-term follow-up.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of trephine arthrodesis in a total of 22 joints in 15 feet to determine the efficacy of this procedure in the foot and ankle. Twelve of the 22 joints that were fused involved the tarsometatarsal articulations, 3 the naviculocuneiform joint, 6 the subtalar joint, and 1 the ankle. A successful fusion rate of 95% (21/22) was achieved. These results lend evidence that the trephine arthrodesis technique can be used with satisfactory results and confidence in the foot and ankle.