Lateral Arthroscopic Subtalar Arthrodesis for Talocalcaneal Coalition: Surgical Technique

Resection of symptomatic talocalcaneal coalitions (TCCs) has been performed for patients with normal tarsal joints and <50% involvement of the subtalar joint. For those with TCCs >50% of subtalar articulation or/and subtalar arthritis, a subtalar arthrodesis is done. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the arthroscopic resection of TCC and talocalcaneal arthrodesis during the same procedure by using a 2 lateral portal technique. With the patient in lateral decubitus under general or locoregional anaesthesia, the foot and ankle are extended beyond the edge of the surgical table. A lateral portal is created 1 cm anterior to the tip of the lateral malleolus in which the arthroscope is introduced. The anterolateral portal is created 1 cm inferior and 2 cm anterior to the tip of the lateral malleolus. The posterior subtalar surface is prepared progressively. The TCC resection is completed. The fixation is obtained with 2 cannulated screws. The arthroscopic resection of TCC and subtalar arthrodesis during the same procedure by using 2 lateral portals can be done for correctly selected patients.