OBJECTIVETo discuss operative methods and effects for Müller-Weiss disease.

METHODSFrom March 2005 to May 2011, 15 patients were operated. There were 2 males and 13 females, with an average age of 51.8 years (range, 26 to 62 years). The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was (42 ± 13) points. According to the Maceira Staging system, 1 foot was grade 2, 6 feet were grade 3, 4 feet were grade 4, and 4 feet were grade 5. The technique consisted of arthrodesis of the talonaviculocuneiform joints with plate, arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint and arthrorisis of naviculocuneiform joint with plate, or triple arthrodesis with screws, according to the preoperative evaluation.

RESULTSTen feet were treated with arthrodesis of the talonaviculocuneiform joints, 3 feet were treated with arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint and arthrorisis of naviculocuneiform joint and 2 feet were treated with triple arthrodesis. Two patients were lost to follow-up. The average follow-up after operation was 19.2 months (range, 9 to 38 months). All feet were solid fusion and the average duration of union was 13.3 weeks (range, 12-16 weeks). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at the last follow-up was (83 ± 6) points. Two feet were excellent, 10 feet were good, and 1 foot was fair. The length of feet was (14.2 ± 1.0) cm before surgery and (15.7 ± 0.9) cm at the last follow-up (t = 11.570, P < 0.05). The Meary's angle was -6.1° ± 13.1°before surgery and 1.1° ± 3.0° at the last follow-up (t = 2.248, P < 0.05). The talocalcaneal angle was 4.5° ± 2.2° before surgery and 18.0° ± 4.0° at the last follow-up (t = 11.700, P < 0.05). One foot had breakage of the plate and screws at arthrorisis of naviculocuneiform joint and none had complications related to the incision.

CONCLUSIONOperations for Müller-Weiss disease, according to concrete conditions using different therapeutic program, may achieve a satisfactory outcome.