SUBTALAR ARTHRODESIS

Subtalar arthrodesis is an accepted surgical procedure for hindfoot di sorders including rheumatoid arthritis, postinfectious arthritis, dege nerative joint disease, trauma, neuromuscular disorders, and residual of congenital foot deformities. This procedure has the advantage of jo int specific stabilization without restricting motion in the uninvolve d transtarsal joints. Several surgical techniques have been described with good long term results. The purpose of this report is to present the indications, describe a surgical technique, and discuss expected r esults of the procedure currently used. Minimal bone resection to achi eve alignment through a small lateral incision, compression fixation, and use of current technology also are discussed. Modifications in tec hnique for special conditions, recognition of common pitfalls, and com plications are presented, The results in 45 patients have been encoura ging and fulfill the expectations of surgeon and patient.