Outcome of subtalar arthrodesis after calcaneal fracture

Between 1983 and 1995, we used subtalar arthrodesis to treat 16 consecutive patients for continued pain after an intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Average time to union was 3 months (2 to 4 months). Complications were minor in 4 patients, and major in 4 others. Length of follow-up in 14 patients was 55 months (range, 12 to 112 months). Hindfoot scores (clinical rating system of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) improved from 38 (range, 28 to 62) to 67 (range, 39 to 94). Results of medical outcome surveys indicate that patients had low scores in areas related to physical conditioning, physical role functioning, and bodily pain. We conclude that the majority of patients can have improvement with surgical reconstruction that addresses a specific problem, but pain relief is usually not complete.