Comparative cohort study assesses radiographic outcomes post minimally invasive versus open talonavicular arthrodesis.
Background Talonavicular (TN) arthrodesis can be performed open or minimally invasively (MIS); whether MIS reproduces the radiographic medial-column re-alignment of open surgery remains unclear. Methods Retrospective cohort of 56 feet (32 MIS, 24 open) treated 2021–2025. Co-primary endpoints: absolute talo–first metatarsal (Meary) angle in dorsoplantar (DP) and lateral (LAT) projections, and radiographic union. Results Absolute Meary angle decreased significantly in both groups (all p<0.001). Open feet had greater preoperative malalignment (DP 14.8° vs 10.8°, p=0.019). Postoperative angles did not differ significantly (DP 0.92° vs 1.96°, p=0.091; LAT 1.38° vs 2.53°, p=0.073); 32/32 (100%) MIS and 21/24 (87.5%) open feet reached ±5° physiological range (DP, p=0.073). Union: 32/32 (100%) MIS, 23/24 (95.8%) open. Conclusions MIS and open TN arthrodesis achieved comparable medial-column re-alignment and union rates, despite greater baseline deformity in the open cohort, complementing previously reported comparable functional outcomes. Level of Evidence III, retrospective comparative cohort study.
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Werneburg et al. (2026) studied this question.
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