Tibiocalcaneal fusion for avascular necrosis of the talus

Between 1994 and 1999, we treated six patients with avascular necrosis of t he talus by excision of the necrotic body of the talus and tibiocalcaneal f usion using an Ilizarov frame. This was combined with corticotomy and a len gthening procedure. Shortening was corrected in all patients except two, wh o were over 60 years of age. All patients had previous operations which had failed. All achieved solid b ony fusion, with five out of six having either a good or an excellent resul t. We conclude that this is an effective reconstructive technique which gives a good functional result.