Posterior subtalar fusion. A preliminary report on a modified Gallie's procedure

A simple modification of Gallie's subtalar fusion is described as a salvage procedure in treating patients with pain from old fractures of the calcaneous involving the subtalar joint. Graft bone for the fusion is taken from the outer half of the calcaneus, thus avoiding disturbance of the tibia or iliac crest. Collapse of the donor site helps to narrow the widened heel present in these patients. The posterior approach allows the peroneal tendons to be freed from any adhesions, and at the same time release of the calcaneo-fibular ligament permits some correction of the valgus of the heel. The early results in six patients have been encouraging.