Talonavicular-cuneiform arthrodesis for the treatment of Müller-Weiss: mid-term results of 15 cases after 5 years

BACKGROUND: There is no gold standard for the operative treatment of patients with Müller-Weiss disease (MWD). This study reports the mid-term follow-up results for at least 5 years following talonavicular-cuneiform (TNC) arthrodesis for Müller-Weiss disease. METHODS: A total of 15 patients undergoing TNC arthrodesis for MWD were retrospectively reviewed between January 2015 and August 2017. Two senior doctors assessed the radiographic results twice at each visit (preoperative, three months after the operation, and final follow-up). The clinical results and complications from preoperative and final follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 74.0 (range 64 to 90) months. The calcaneal pitch angle, lateral Meary's angle, anteroposterior (AP) Meary's angle, AP talocalcaneal angle, and talonavicular coverage were significantly different before and three months after the operation (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the radiographic results of three months after the operation and the final follow-up (p > 0.05). The radiological measurements of the two senior doctors were calculated and found to be moderate to strong (ICC:0.899–0.995). The AOFAS, VAS, and SF-12 scores significantly improved at the last follow-up compared to those before the operation (p < 0.05). Two patients experienced early complications, four had late complications, and one underwent a second operation of midfoot fusion with calcaneal osteotomy. CONCLUSION: This research confirms that using TNC arthrodesis for the treatment of MWD can substantially improve the clinical and radiographic results. These results were maintained until mid-term follow-up.