Arthroscopic Subtalar Joint Arthrodesis: Topical Review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Foot and ankle arthroscopy has advanced, enabling arthroscopic subtalar joint arthrodesis.
• Potential benefits include higher fusion rates, reduced complications, and faster rehabilitation.
• This technique may not suit complex deformities or cases requiring open procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications of arthroscopic subtalar joint arthrodesis.
• To compare arthroscopic subtalar fusion with traditional open techniques.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of Level IV studies.
• Analysis of surgical techniques, union rates, and complication data.
• Included 13 moderate-quality case series.

Main Results:

• Achieved excellent arthrodesis union rates (average 96%) within 8.8 weeks.
• Overall complication rate was 21%, with metal irritation (11.2%) and nerve injury (4.2%) most frequent.
• Fusion and complication rates were similar to open arthrodesis, with potentially lower infection rates for arthroscopy.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic subtalar fusion demonstrates high union rates comparable to open surgery.
• Complication profiles are similar, though infection risk may be reduced with arthroscopy.
• Current evidence does not definitively prove arthroscopic superiority over open techniques.