[Arthroscopical subtalar arthrodesis for malunion of calcaneal fractures]

To evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopical subtalar arthrodesis for malunion of calcaneal fractures.

Between July 2006 and December 2008, 12 cases of malunion of calcaneal fractures were treated with arthroscopical subtalar arthrodesis, including 10 males and 2 females with an age range of 38-54 years (44.8 years on average). The location was left side in 5 cases and right side in 7 cases. The injury was caused by falling from height in 8 cases, by traffic accident in 3 cases, and other in 1 case. It was 3-7 months from injury to operation. All cases were classified as Stephens type II. The total score was 35.68 +/- 10.35 and the pain score was 8.14 +/- 1.83 before operation according to Hindfoot scores system of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).

All incisions achieved primary healing and the patients were all followed up 14-32 months (18 months on average). The X-ray films showed bony fusion after 10-14 weeks (11.5 weeks on average). The total score was 76.45 +/- 9.83 and the pain score was 1.52 +/- 1.48 after operation according to Hindfoot scores system of AOFAS, showing significant difference when compared with those before operation (P < 0.01).

Arthroscopical subtalar arthrodesis can get satisfactory fusion rate with few complications for malunion of calcaneal fractures.