Arthroscopic tibiotalar and subtalar joint arthrodesis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background:

• Arthroscopy is now the gold-standard for tibiotalar and subtalar arthrodesis.
• Open surgery is reserved for cases where arthroscopy is contraindicated, such as severe malunion or bone defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current indications and techniques for arthroscopic tibiotalar and subtalar arthrodesis.
• To highlight the benefits and potential of arthroscopic approaches, including posterior techniques.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on arthroscopic tibiotalar and subtalar arthrodesis.
• Discussion of indications, contraindications, and surgical techniques, including anterior and posterior approaches.

Main Results:

• Arthroscopic arthrodesis demonstrates consolidation rates comparable to open surgery with significantly fewer complications.
• Historically limited to moderate deformities, indications for arthroscopy are expanding.
• Posterior arthroscopic approaches offer advantages in workspace size and comparable consolidation rates.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopy is the preferred method for tibiotalar and subtalar arthrodesis due to its efficacy and safety profile.
• The posterior arthroscopic approach, though less common, shows promise and is increasingly utilized by specialists.
• Surgeon experience is the primary limiting factor for expanding arthroscopic arthrodesis indications.