Biomechanical comparison of screw versus plate/screw construct for talonavicular fusion.

Background: Talonavicular fusion is performed for a variety of indications. This study examined the effects of fixation techniques on plantar pressures, construct stiffness, and strength.

Materials And Methods: Eight matched pairs of cadaveric lower extremities were axially loaded intact and after talonavicular fixation with a 3.5 reconstruction plate, reconstruction plate plus cancellous screw (plate/screw), or three screws (screws). Recorded plantar pressures were divided into three forefoot, two midfoot, and two hindfoot regions. Cantilevered bending of excised constructs provided stiffness data for plantar and lateral directions, and failure characteristics in plantar bending.

Results: Relative to the intact state, all fixations decreased peak pressure in the medial forefoot, while generally increasing it in the lateral forefoot and midfoot. Average pressure shifted laterally for all fixation methods in the forefoot, generally in the hindfoot and the lateral midfoot. Generally, contact areas decreased in the medial forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot while increasing laterally in the midfoot and hindfoot. The only difference among fixation methods was a decreased medial midfoot contact area for screws. No differences were found between screws and plate/screw in bending stiffness or failure (p < 0.5 and p < 0.2 respectively). Plantar and lateral bending stiffness for the plate/screw method averaged approximately 363 N/mm while stiffness of the screw only construct averaged approximately 380 N/mm. The load to failure averaged 946 N for the plate/screw construct and 1099 N for the screw construct.

Conclusion: This study showed lateralization of plantar pressures following talonavicular fixation. Minimal differences were found between plate/screw and screws. Fixation across the joint may be key to achieving stability sufficient to resist shear and rotational stresses.

Clinical Relevance: Plate/screw or screws would likely be similarly effective in fusing the talonavicular joint. However, the fusion induced lateralization of plantar pressures may unintentionally result in adjacent joint arthritis and foot pain.