Arthrodesis of the subtalar joint using a novel biphasic calcium phosphate bone graft

Study design: Retrospective level IV study. Background: Limited availability of autologous bone graft has led to a vast array of alternative bone graft options including allograft, demineralized bone matrices, cell-based matrices, and synthetic bone grafts. In this retrospective review, a control group of patients undergoing subtalar joint arthrodesis using a conventional bone graft was compared to a matched study group utilizing a novel synthetic biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) bone graft with advanced surface topography. Materials and methods: Seventeen consecutive patients underwent subtalar joint arthrodesis using a novel BCP with a unique submicron surface topography, either as a standalone graft or mixed with bone marrow aspirate. Fusion outcomes were assessed via radiographs at six-weeks and twelve-weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed via weight bearing status at six-weeks and twelve-weeks. These results were compared to a matched study group of 15 patients undergoing subtalar joint arthrodesis using a conventional bone graft. Results: Seventeen of seventeen (100%) of patients completed full follow up. Twelve of seventeen patients had complete fusion at 12 weeks (70%) and four of seventeen patients (23%) had partial fusion at 12 weeks. One of seventeen (5%) had revision arthrodesis. All patients were 100% weight bearing at 12 weeks. In the control group, fifteen of fifteen (100%) of patients completed full follow up. At 12 weeks, seven of fifteen (46%) had complete fusion, seven of fifteen (46%) had partial fusion, and one (6%) did not fuse and went on to revision surgery. Conclusions: This novel submicron surface topography BCP offers a promising bone graft substitute for arthrodesis of the subtalar joint.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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