EVALUATION OF OUTCOME OF SUBTALAR ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH SUBTALAR ARTHRODESIS

Abstract

Involvement of the subtalar joint in fracture calcaneus intraarticular malunion may give rise to chronic pain and functional impairment. In this study evaluate the effectiveness of a technique using double lag screw from the calcaneus to the talus and the functional result of subtalar joint fusion. Materials and Methods: In between May ‘18 and feb ‘20, we performed 20 isolated subtalar arthrodesis by double lag screw technique from calcaneus to talus. we included 13 males and 7 females in study. Results:18 out of 20 joints were fused except one who developed infection and one lost to follow up,resulting in an overall fusion rate of above 90%. The average time for fusion was 5 months (ranging from 3 to 6 months).Conclusion: Using the double lag screws of 6.5 mm across the posterior facet of the subtalar joint resulted in fusion of joints in 90% of patients. The relief from pain was obtained in 100% of cases. This is a simple and reliable technique for achieving fusion of the subtalar joint.