Arthroscopic Subtalar Fusion for Post-Traumatic Subtalar Arthritis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the results of arthroscopic subtalar posterior facet fusion for subtalar arthritis after calcaneal fracture.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series on 10 patients (8 men and 2 women) who had isolated subtalar arthritis after calcaneal fracture. All patients were treated conservatively, but pain was not controlled. Only patients without hardware in the calcaneus were chosen for inclusion in the study. Patients were treated by posterior subtalar arthroscopic fusion. Fixation was done by percutaneous cannulated screws. Bone graft was not needed. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scoring system for the ankle and hind foot. The mean follow-up period was 28.4 months; only 1 case was missed during follow-up.

Results

There was statistically significant improvement in total American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score after 2 years' follow-up (P < .05). There was statistically significant improvement in pain and walking distance after follow-up (P < .05). The mean time for fusion was 11.44 weeks. Only 1 case had painful neuroma at the site of the anterolateral portal.

Conclusions

Arthroscopically assisted posterior facet fusion of the subtalar joint is an effective method for management of subtalar arthritis after calcaneal fracture.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Key Words: Subtalar joint, Subtalar arthroscopy, Subtalar arthrodesis