Pantalar arthrodesis.

Pantalar arthrodesis is a demanding procedure that serves a useful purpose for stabilization of the ankle, rearfoot, and midfoot. These fusions should be recognized as salvage procedures in the treatment of unstable and debilitating conditions as a result of severe degenerative joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathic joint destruction, and paralytic or flail extremity dysfunction. As with all salvage-type procedures, patient and physician expectations must be the same to afford an acceptable and functional postoperative result.