Subtalar arthroscopy and fluoroscopy in percutaneous fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Percutaneous fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures is traditionally assisted only by intraoperative fluoroscopy. Previous studies have demonstrated that the additional use of subtalar arthroscopy in anatomical reduction of the posterior calcaneal facet of the subtalar joint for less complex calcaneal fractures yielded positive results up to 2-year follow-up. This study aims to investigate long-term outcomes of these patients using similar evaluation parameters. We hypothesized that this novel technique with dual-imaging can provide sustainable, long-term benefits with good functional outcomes and significant restoration of the Bohler's angle.

We performed a retrospective study of 15 Sanders II, AO-OTA 83-C2 intra-articular calcaneal fractures in 14 patients who underwent subtalar arthroscopy and fluoroscopy guided percutaneous fracture fixation with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Outcome measures were assessed using the ankle and hindfoot NPRS, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, and SF-36 Physical Function subscale preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5-8 years postoperatively. The Bohler's angle was measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and at 5-8 years postoperatively.

We report excellent functional outcomes in all scores as well as continued improvements in the majority of patients across all time points with minimal subsidence of the corrected Bohler's angle over our study time frame.

Subtalar arthroscopy with intraoperative fluoroscopy in anatomical reduction of the posterior calcaneal facet of the subtalar joint is most useful in Sanders type II, AO-OTA 83-C2 fractures with excellent functional outcomes and good preservation of the corrected Bohler's angle on long-term follow-up.