Subtalar fusion for isolated subtalar disorders. Preliminary report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Reconstruction

Background:

• Subtalar joint disorders can significantly impact foot function and cause pain.
• Traditional treatments may involve fusion of multiple tarsal joints, potentially leading to adjacent joint degeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of isolated subtalar fusion for various subtalar joint pathologies.
• To determine if isolated subtalar fusion leads to significant adverse changes in the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 11 feet undergoing isolated subtalar fusion.
• Analysis of preoperative diagnoses, surgical technique, and postoperative outcomes.
• Radiographic assessment of adjacent joint changes and clinical evaluation of function and pain.

Main Results:

• Good to excellent functional and pain ratings were reported for most patients.
• Minimal radiographic changes were observed at the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints.
• No cases of hypermobility in adjacent tarsal joints were noted.

Conclusions:

• Isolated subtalar fusion is a satisfactory treatment for isolated subtalar disorders, including talocalcaneal bars.
• The procedure preserves a significant portion of transverse tarsal motion.
• Clinical outcomes suggest that minor adjacent joint changes are not significant.