The incidence of deep infections after internal fixation of ankle and lower leg fractures is estimated 1 to 2%. Hindfoot arthrodesis by retrograde intramedullary nailing (IMN) is a potential alternative to external fixation for post-infectious ankle destruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results, complications and effects of soft tissue management with this treatment modality. This is a single-center retrospective review of routine hospital data from 21 patients (15 men, 6 women, median age 65 [range, 21 to 87] years) undergoing IMN arthrodesis of the hindfoot for post-traumatic infections between January 1st, 2012 and March 15, 2018. We observed four bimalleolar, eight trimalleolar, three pilon fractures, and six distal lower leg fractures. Six and three patients had sustained second- and third degree open fractures, respectively. Early- and late-onset surgical infections were observed in 8 and 13 cases. Four participants had diabetes mellitus, two arterial occlusive disease, and four had both. Six patients were smokers.Aim
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