Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is an increasingly used method of stiffening the ankle and subtalar joints in advanced degenerative deformities. The study group consisted of 19 men who were subjected to intramedullary and intraosseous arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail. The average age of patients was 46 (range 19-68) years. The main indication for surgical treatment was post-traumatic arthrosis 11 (58%). In the studied group, clinical condition was assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) classification, quality of life using the SF-12 scale, and assessment of pain intensity using the visual-analog scale (VAS) scale. The above parameters were evaluated before surgery (under 2 years), intermediate (from 2 to 5 years), and late (over 5 years) postoperative period. The clinical condition on the AOFAS scale improved from an average of 20.6 points before tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis to 63.5 after the procedure. The result was statistically significant (p < .0001). Analyzing the results using the SF-12 scale, a statistically significant increase was found. In the physical sphere of Physical Health Component Score-12 (p = .0004) and in the mental sphere of Mental Health Component Score-12 (p = .030). The intensity of pain assessed in the VAS scale, decreased in all three periods-p < .05. The strongest analgesic effect was observed in the early postoperative follow-up period. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail causes a significant improvement in the clinical condition according to the AOFAS classification, enabling most patients to move independently, a significant improvement quality of life assessed in the SF-12 scale and a significant reduction of pain ailments assessed in the VAS scale, especially in the early postoperative period.

Department of Internal Medicine Angiology and Physical Medicine Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze Medical University of Silesia in Katowice Bytom Katowice Poland

District Hospital of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery in Piekary Śląskie Piekary Śląskie Poland

Facultni Nemocnice Ostrawa Poruba Czech Republik

Faculty of Health Sciences Tourism and Physiotherapy Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa Częstochowa Poland

Student of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice Katowice Polska

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