Use of intramedullary carbon fiber nail in hindfoot fusion: A small cohort study

Background

Current literature on carbon fiber implant use in foot and ankle surgery is scant. The purpose of this paper is to report medium-term outcomes of hindfoot fusion using a carbon fiber intramedullary nail.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 30 cases of hindfoot fusion using carbon fiber intramedullary nail fixation between 2014 and 2017. We excluded revisions and cases with bulk allograft or ankle infection prior to surgery. We reviewed charts for length of followup, radiographic union, and complications.

Results

Eleven patients were included (6 females, 5 males; mean age = 52 ± 15 years; mean BMI = 29.0 ± 6.4 kg/m²). Mean followup was 20 (range, 1.5–107) months. Nine of eleven cases achieved radiographic union while one case developed a complication requiring surgery. The mean time to union was 3 (range, 1.5–6) months.

Conclusions

Carbon fiber implants offer several theoretical advantages over traditional metallic implants. They can be used safely in foot and ankle surgery without concern for high failure or complication rate. Larger scale studies with longer followup are needed on this topic.