The authors have retrospectively studied 18 cases of tibiocalcaneal
arthrodesis performed to treat a fixed
equinovarus deformity of the foot in 13 adult patients. The operations were performed between 1981 and 1998; there were 9 neurologic and 9 post-traumatic
deformities. The mean calcaneal varus
deformity was 50 degrees and the mean
equinus deformity was 75 degrees. The results were evaluated using Kitaoka's criteria. We noted one postoperative cutaneous
necrosis, two nonunions, one of which was reoperated by bone freshening and
osteotomy of the midfoot. All rearfeet were in neutral alignment and were stable. Shortening was on average 2.8 cm. Plantar support was achieved in 10 feet, with improved autonomy, walking capacity and footwear. Overall, there were 10 good, 2 fair and 1 poor result. In the group with neurologic
deformities there were 4 good, 1 fair and 1 poor result. In the group with post-traumatic
deformities, there were 6 good and one fair results. Other series published also showed satisfactory results comparable to or better than those obtained with triple
arthrodesis, which generates severe stiffness of the rear- and midfoot, disturbing gait. Fixed
equinovarus deformity of the foot in the adult is a good indication for tibiocalcaneal
arthrodesis, allowing in the majority of cases to achieve stable and painless plantar support.