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Subtalar arthrodesis for subtalar arthritis
P J Huang1, S K Chen, Y W Chen
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical College, Taiwan, Republic of China.
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|January 13, 1998
Summary
Subtalar arthrodesis effectively treats traumatic arthritis, with 85% patient satisfaction. While fusion rates were high, staple fixation may prolong healing time.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Foot and Ankle Surgery
Background:
- Subtalar arthritis is uncommon, often linked to generalized conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or calcaneal fractures.
- Traumatic arthritis from calcaneal fractures is a primary cause of subtalar joint issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of subtalar arthrodesis for treating isolated subtalar arthritis.
- To assess patient satisfaction and objective outcomes following subtalar arthrodesis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 patients (15 feet) undergoing subtalar arthrodesis.
- Lateral approach without fibular osteotomy, with decompression for entrapment syndrome.
- Internal fixation using staples, with a mean follow-up of 24.9 months.
Main Results:
- 85% of patients reported satisfaction with the surgical outcome.
- Excellent results were observed in 73% of cases, with no instances of nonunion.
- Complications included superficial wound infection and staple loosening; fusion time was noted as potentially long.
Conclusions:
- Subtalar arthrodesis is a suitable treatment for isolated subtalar arthritis.
- For arthritis involving adjacent joints (talonavicular, calcaneocuboid), triple arthrodesis may be more appropriate.