Long-term Outcomes of Triple Arthrodesis in Cerebral Palsy Patients.

BACKGROUND

Triple arthrodesis in the appropriately indicated cerebral palsy patient with a painful and/or rigid foot deformity can significantly alleviate pain and improve function. Limited data on long-term outcomes of triple arthrodesis in this patient population exist. In addition, there have been concerns about the long-term consequences of altered biomechanics in these patients on the tibiotalar (ankle) joint.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 21 cerebral palsy patients who had undergone triple arthrodesis for a painful and/or rigid foot deformity at our institution with at least 10 years of clinical or radiographic follow-up. Preoperative, and the most recent, clinical evaluations and radiographs were reviewed. In addition, all 21 patients and/or caretakers responded to a questionnaire at the time of this study by means of telephone to assess subjective pain, analgesia use, walking aid necessity, walking distance, and satisfaction with the procedure.

RESULTS

In this series of 21 cerebral palsy patients, 5 patients had bilateral surgery, resulting in 26 operative feet. The mean age at the time of surgery was 19.4 years and most recent clinical or radiographic follow-up was 22.1 years postoperatively. Preoperative foot deformity was characterized by hindfoot valgus in 66.7% (14/21) and varus in 33.3% (7/21) of patients. Postoperatively, fusion was achieved in 96.2% (25/26) of feet. At final follow-up, 3 feet (11.5%) demonstrated tibiotalar joint arthritis, 1 (3.8%) had midfoot arthritis, and 10 (38.5%) had residual deformity. Of the total patients, 95.2% (20/21) were satisfied with the outcome and 61.9% (13/21) reported pain-free ambulation. There was no association between eventual functional outcome and preoperative diagnosis, preoperative foot deformity, postoperative tibiotalar joint arthritis, or postoperative residual deformity.

CONCLUSIONS

Triple arthrodesis is a surgical option in cerebral palsy patients with painful and/or rigid foot deformities. From this series, successful outcomes can be expected as long as bony union is achieved. The incidence of tibiotalar arthritis is relatively low and not associated with long-term functional outcome. In addition, preoperative and residual postoperative foot deformity is not associated with long-term outcome.