[Results of subtalar arthrodesis for traumatic sequelae of the hindfoot]

Sixty-seven arthrodeses of the hind foot were done for sequellae of trauma. Forty-one cases were old fractures of the calcaneus. The technique was either the use of a cylindrical bone graft, or fixation of the joint by a screw after removal of the cartilage and correction of deformity when necessary. On 12 occasions the mid-tarsal joints were also fused. Several instances of delayed skin healing were seen after a lateral approach and the use of a bone graft to correct valgus deformity. Only two-thirds of the patients had a satisfactory result. Some developed arthrosis in the joints of the forefoot. The main cause of failure was persistent deformity particularly in varus. When there was no pre-operative deformity the use of a cylindrical graft seemed better than complete excision of articular cartilage which led to two post-operative deformities. The mid-tarsal joint should not be systematically fused.