Background. Subtalar nonunion has a detrimental effect on patients' function, and pose a significant challenge for surgeons particularly in the setting of higher risk factors. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of 49 subtalar nonunions between October 2001 and July 2013. Patient records and radiographs were reviewed for specific patient demographics and comorbidities, subsequent treatments, revision fusion rate, use of bone graft, complications, and clinical outcome. Results. Forty-nine patients with a mean age of 49 years (range 23–80) were included. Sixteen (32%) were heavy smokers (>1 pack per day) and five (10%) had diabetes. Forty one (84%) of the nonunions were symptomatic and underwent a revision procedure at a mean of 16 months (range 2.8 to 57) from the time of the primary arthrodesis. Four of these patients required a triple arthrodesis at the time of revision. Bone graft was used in all cases, and in 25 cases (61%) additional adjuvant orthobiologics. Thirty-two (78%) of the patients achieved a solid arthrodesis at a mean of 3.4 months (range 1.4 to 7.6). Patients who were diabetic and smokers as a group had a 68% rate of union. Of the nine nonunions following a revision arthrodesis, five were in the setting of a prior ankle arthrodesis, three were complicated by a deep infection, and one had no obvious risk factors. Four of the repeat nonunions elected to not undergo an additional procedure, two had a successful third attempt at arthrodesis, one had an additional nonunion followed by a successful fourth attempt at arthrodesis, one had a successful tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, and one ultimately required a below-knee amputation. Discussion. Management of subtalar nonunions pose a significant challenge with a low rate of arthrodesis at 78% fusion rate, but which can be achieved with rigid fixation and utilization of bone graft and orthobiologics

Aims. We hypothesized that there is no difference in the clinical and radiological outcomes using local bone graft versus iliac graft for subtalar distraction arthrodesis in patients with calcaneal malunion. In addition, using local bone graft negates the donor site morbidity. Patients and Methods. We prospectively studied 28 calcaneal malunion patients (the study group) who were managed by subtalar distraction arthrodesis using local calcaneal bone graft. The study group included 16 male and 12 female patients. The median age was 37.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29 to 43). The outcome of the study group was compared with a control group of ten patients previously managed by subtalar distraction arthrodesis using iliac bone graft. The control group included six male and four female patients. The median age was 41.5 years (IQR 36 to 44). Results. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score improved significantly in the study and the control groups (p < 0.001). Fusion was achieved in 27 patients in the study group at a median time of 13 weeks (IQR 12 to 14), while all the patients in the control group achieved fusion at a mean time of 13.2 weeks (11 to 15). The mean talocalcaneal height and talar declination angle improved significantly in both the study and the control groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between both groups concerning the preoperative or the postoperative clinical and radiological measurements. Donor site morbidity was reported in four out of ten patients in the control group. Conclusion. Local calcaneal bone graft can successfully be used to achieve subtalar distraction arthrodesis with appropriate correction of alignment and calcaneal malunion. We recommend using local instead of iliac bone graft as it gave comparable results and avoids the possibility of donor site morbidity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:596–602

Distraction bone-block arthrodesis has been advocated for the treatment of the late sequelae of fracture of the os calcis. Between 1997 and 2003 we studied a consecutive series of 17 patients who had in situ arthrodesis for subtalar arthritis after fracture of the os calcis with marked loss of talocalcaneal height. None had undergone any previous attempts at reconstruction. We assessed the range of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion and measured the talocalcaneal height, talocalcaneal angle and talar declination angle on standing lateral radiographs, comparing them with the normal foot. The mean follow-up was for 78.7 months (48 to 94). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score improved from 29.8 (13 to 48) to 77.8 (48 to 94) (Student’s t-test, p < 0.001). The mean loss of talocalcaneal height was 10.3 mm (2 to 17) and the mean talar declination angle was 6.7° (0° to 16°) which was 36% of the normal side. One patient suffered anterior ankle pain but none had anterior impingement. Two patients complained of difficulty in ascending slopes and stairs and four in descending. The mean ankle dorsiflexion on the arthrodesed side was 11.6° (0° to 24°) compared with 14.7° (0° to 24°) on the normal side, representing a reduction of 21.1%. The mean plantar flexion on the arthrodesed side was 35.5° (24° to 60°) compared with 44.6° (30° to 60°) on the normal side, a reduction of 20.4%. These results suggest that anterior impingement need not to be a significant problem after subtalar arthrodesis for fracture of the os calcis, even when the loss of talocalcaneal height is marked. We recommend in situ arthrodesis combined with lateral-wall ostectomy for all cases of subtalar arthritis following a fracture of the os calcis, without marked coronal deformity, regardless of the degree of talocalcaneal height loss

Achieving arthrodesis of the ankle can be difficult in the presence of infection, deformity, poor soft tissues and bone loss. We present a series of 48 patients with complex ankle pathology, treated with the Ilizarov technique. Infection was present in 30 patients and 30 had significant deformity before surgery. Outcome was assessed clinically and with patient-reported outcome measures (Modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (MAOFAS) scale and the Short-Form (SF-36)). Arthrodesis was achieved in 40 patients with the Ilizarov technique alone and in six further patients with additional surgery. Infection was eradicated in all patients at a mean follow-up of 46.6 months (13 to 162). Successful arthrodesis was less likely in those with comorbidities and in tibiocalcaneal fusion compared with tibiotalar fusion. These patients had poor general health scores compared with the normal population before surgery. The mean MAOFAS score improved significantly from 24.3 (0 to 90) pre-operatively to 56.2 (30 to 90) post-operatively, but there was only a modest improvement in general health; the mean SF-36 improved from 44.8 (19 to 66) to 50.1 (21 to 76). There was a major benefit in terms of pain relief. Arthrodesis using the Ilizarov technique is an effective treatment for complex ankle pathology, with good clinical outcomes and eradication of infection. However, even after successful arthrodesis general health scores remain limited. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:371–7

Aims. The aim of this study was to describe the technique of distraction osteogenesis followed by arthrodesis using internal fixation to manage complex conditions of the ankle, and to present the results of this technique. Patients and Methods. Between 2008 and 2014, distraction osteogenesis followed by arthrodesis using internal fixation was performed in 12 patients with complex conditions of the ankle due to trauma or infection. There were eight men and four women: their mean age was 35 years (23 to 51) at the time of surgery. Bone healing and functional recovery were evaluated according to the criteria described by Paley. Function was assessed using the ankle-hindfoot scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Results. A solid fusion of the ankle and eradication of infection was achieved in all patients. A mean lengthening of 6.1 cm (2.5 to 14) was achieved at a mean follow-up of 25.2 months (14 to 37). The mean external fixation index (EFI) was 42 days/cm (33.3 to 58). The function was judged to be excellent in six patients and good in six patients. Bone results were graded as excellent in ten patients and good in two patients. The mean AOFAS score was 37.3 (5 to 77) preoperatively and 75.3 (61 to 82) at the final follow-up. Minor complications, which were treated conservatively, included pain, pin-tract infection, loosening of wires, and midfoot stiffness. Major complications, which were treated surgically included grade V pin-tract infection with inflammation and osteolysis, poor consolidation of the regenerate bone, and soft-tissue invagination. The reoperations required to treat the major complications included the exchange of pins and wires, bone grafting and invagination split surgery. Conclusion. The technique of distraction osteogenesis followed by arthrodesis using internal fixation is an effective form of treatment for the management of complex conditions of the ankle. It offers a high rate of union, an opportunity to remove the frame early, and a reduced EFI without infection or wound dehiscence. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:755–60

We report the outcomes of 20 patients (12 men, 8 women, 21 feet) with Charcot neuro-arthropathy who underwent correction of deformities of the ankle and hindfoot using retrograde intramedullary nail arthrodesis. The mean age of the patients was 62.6 years (46 to 83); their mean BMI was 32.7 (15 to 47) and their median American Society of Anaesthetists score was 3 (2 to 4). All presented with severe deformities and 15 had chronic ulceration. All were treated with reconstructive surgery and seven underwent simultaneous midfoot fusion using a bolt, locking plate or a combination of both. At a mean follow-up of 26 months (8 to 54), limb salvage was achieved in all patients and 12 patients (80%) with ulceration achieved healing and all but one patient regained independent mobilisation. There was failure of fixation with a broken nail requiring revision surgery in one patient. Migration of distal locking screws occurred only when standard screws had been used but not with hydroxyapatite-coated screws. The mean American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle (AAOS-FAO) score improved from 50.7 (17 to 88) to 65.2 (22 to 88), (p = 0.015). The mean Short Form (SF)-36 Health Survey Physical Component Score improved from 25.2 (16.4 to 42.8) to 29.8 (17.7 to 44.2), (p = 0.003) and the mean Euroqol EQ‑5D‑5L score improved from 0.63 (0.51 to 0.78) to 0.67 (0.57 to 0.84), (p = 0.012). Single-stage correction of deformity using an intramedullary hindfoot arthrodesis nail is a good form of treatment for patients with severe Charcot hindfoot deformity, ulceration and instability provided a multidisciplinary care plan is delivered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:76–82

We studied retrospectively the results in 24 patients (25 feet) who had been treated by subtalar arthrodesis with internal compression for post-traumatic arthritis from 1988 to 1992. Fifteen patients were men (16 feet) and nine (9 feet) were women. Their mean age was 43 years (22 to 68), and the average duration of follow-up was four years (2 to 6). A single compression screw was used in all feet and iliac-crest bone grafting in ten. Union was achieved in 24 of the 25 feet (96%). Based on a clinical scale the results were excellent in 10 feet, good in 7, fair in 6, and poor in 2 and on the Angus and Cowell score they were good in 19 feet, fair in 4, and poor in 2. The two poor results were due to nonunion in one patient and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in the other. One reoperation was performed for nonunion. Eighteen patients (18 feet) were satisfied with the results, four were satisfied with reservations, and three were dissatisfied. Progressive ankle and midfoot arthritis did not occur in the absence of pre-existing degenerative changes in these joints. We conclude that isolated subtalar arthrodesis with internal compression was effective treatment for post-traumatic subtalar arthritis. Iliac-crest bone grafting was not routinely required

Charcot osteoarthropathy of the foot is a chronic and progressive disease of bone and joint associated with a risk of amputation. The main problems encountered in this process are osteopenia, fragmentation of the bones of the foot and ankle, joint subluxation or even dislocation, ulceration of the skin and the development of deep sepsis. We report our experience of a series of 20 patients with Charcot osteoarthropathy of the foot and ankle treated with an Ilizarov external fixator. The mean age of the group was 30 years (21 to 50). Diabetes mellitus was the underlying cause in 18 patients. Five had chronic ulcers involving the foot and ankle. Each patient had an open lengthening of the tendo Achillis with excision of all necrotic and loose bone from the ankle, subtalar and midtarsal joints when needed. The resulting defect was packed with corticocancellous bone graft harvested from the iliac crest and an Ilizarov external fixator was applied. Arthrodesis was achieved after a mean of 18 weeks (15 to 20), with healing of the skin ulcers. Pin track infection was not uncommon, but no frame had to be removed before the arthrodesis was sound. Every patient was able to resume wearing regular shoes after a mean of 26.5 weeks (20 to 45)

We describe a retrospective review of the clinical and radiological parameters of 32 feet in 30 patients (10 men and 20 women) who underwent correction for malalignment of the hindfoot with a modified double arthrodesis through a medial approach. The mean follow-up was 21 months (13 to 37). Fusion was achieved in all feet at a mean of 13 weeks (6 to 30). Apart from the calcaneal pitch angle, all angular measurements improved significantly after surgery. Primary wound healing occurred without complications. The isolated medial approach to the subtalar and talonavicular joints allows good visualisation which facilitated the reduction and positioning of the joints. It was also associated with fewer problems with wound healing than the standard lateral approach

Introduction:. Failure to adequately treat an injury of the syndesmosis leads to poor functional outcomes and posttraumatic arthritis. Many techniques have been proposed to salvage chronic instability. We report on the largest series of chronic syndesmotic injuries to be managed by syndesmotic arthrodesis from Europe to date. Aim:. To determine the radiographic and clinical outcomes for this technique at our institute. Methods:. Patients were followed-up prospectively. Relevant radiological and clinical data were obtained from electronic and case note review. The AOFAS score was utilised. Results:. A total of 6 patients were found. The average age was 33 years and the mean length of follow-up was 20 months. Arthrodesis was radiologically successful in all cases. Mean pre-operative and post-operative AOFAS scores were 70 and 82 respectively. All patients had some persistent ankle pain. One third had radiological progression of ankle osteoarthritis. Complications consisted of one patient with scar sensitivity. Conclusions:. This technique has a role in the salvage of chronic ankle syndesmotic instability. However patients must be counselled to the likelihood of ongoing symptoms

Aims

A multicentre, randomized, clinician-led, pragmatic, parallel-group orthopaedic trial of two surgical procedures was set up to obtain high-quality evidence of effectiveness. However, the trial faced recruitment challenges and struggled to maintain recruitment rates over 30%, although this is not unusual for surgical trials. We conducted a qualitative study with the aim of gathering information about recruitment practices to identify barriers to patient consent and participation to an orthopaedic trial.

Aims

Infected and deformed neuropathic feet and ankles are serious challenges for surgical management. In this study we present our experience in performing ankle arthrodesis in a closed manner, without surgical preparation of the joint surfaces by cartilaginous debridement, but instead using an Ilizarov ring fixator (IRF) for deformity correction and facilitating fusion, in arthritic neuropathic ankles with associated osteomyelitis.

We have reviewed the long-term results of 22 patients (23 fusions) with fractures of the os calcis, who had subtalar arthrodesis with correction of the deformity between 1975 and 1991. The mean follow-up was nine years (5 to 20). All patients were evaluated according to a modified foot score. A radiological assessment was used in which linear and angular variables were measured including the fibulocalcaneal abutment, the height of the heel and fat pad, the angle of the arch and the lateral talocalcaneal and the lateral talar declination angles. The technique used restores the normal relationship between the hindfoot and midfoot and corrects the height of the heel. This leads to better biomechanical balance of the neighbouring joints and gives a favourable clinical outcome. The modified foot score showed a good or excellent result in 51% of the feet. Residual complaints were mostly due to problems with the soft tissues. Subjectively, an excellent or good score was achieved in 78% of the cases. After statistical analysis, except for the height of the heel and the degenerative changes in the calcaneocuboid joint, no significant difference was found in the measured variables between the operated and the contralateral side

Introduction. When ankle arthroplasty fails the options are revision to arthrodesis or revision to arthroplasty. We report early outcomes of revision procedures for failed total replacement. Methods. Retrospective review of prospectively collected data including post-operative complications, union, survivorship and PROMS scores to compare revision to arthrodesis and revision to arthroplasty. Results. 31 revision procedures (10 revision to arthrodesis and 21 revision to arthroplasty) were performed for failed primary ankle arthroplasty (30 patients) between January 2012 and June 2019. 23 males: 8 females, average age of 68. Indications for revisions were aseptic loosening (13), cysts/lysis (6), pain (5), periprosthetic infection (3), fracture (2), fibula erosion (1), polyethylene dislocation (1). Union rate following arthrodesis was 77.9% after primary revision procedure. Impaction bone grafting technique was utilised in seven patients with a union rate of 83%. Survivorship following revision to arthroplasty was 100% at two years; 87.5% at three years and 75% at four years Failed revision arthroplasty was revised to arthrodesis successfully. Median MOxFQ was 73.5 for the arthrodesis group versus 17 in the arthroplasty group (p=0.02). Median AOS was 87 for the arthrodesis group versus 12 for the arthroplasty group (p=0.04). Discussion. This study demonstrated the potential advantages in the short term of revision arthroplasty over conversion to arthrodesis with statistically significant improvements in MOxFQ and AOS within the first two years following revision

Background. Hallux rigidus is a common condition characterised by first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) degeneration, pain and limited range of motion (ROM). The gold standard surgical treatment is arthrodesis, providing good pain relief but sacrifices ROM. Recently the Cartiva synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) has been utilised as an interpositional arthroplasty, aiming to reduce pain whilst preserving range of motion. Current evidence for Cartiva SCI is largely based on a single cohort with mixed outcomes. We sought to evaluate the clinical outcomes of Cartiva SCI compared to arthrodesis undertaken in our centre. Methods. Retrospective review of patients undergoing Cartiva SCI or arthrodesis for treating hallux rigidus was conducted. Preoperative arthritis was radiographically graded using the Vanore classification. Patient reported outcomes (PROMs) were assessed using EuroQol 5-dimension score (EQ-5D-5L) and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Results. Between 2017 and 2020 there were 33 cases (17 Cartiva, 16 arthrodesis, mean age 59.0±9.9 years) with a mean follow up of 2.3 years. For the first MTPJ arthrodesis cohort, the MOXFQ domain scores were: Index 3.9±5.8, Walking/Standing 5.1±7.6, Pain 3.2±5.0, and Social Interaction 2.6±4.0. EQ-5D-5L Index score was 0.828±0.270 and the EQ-VAS was 72.5±23.3. For the Cartiva cohort, the MOXFQ domain scores were: Index 7.7±6.0, Walking/Standing 8.9±7.9, Pain 7.1±5.0, and Social Interaction 6.4±5.4. EQ-5D-5L Index score was 0.631±0.234 and the EQ-VAS was 74.8±20.8. There was no statistically significant difference between any MOXFQ domain or EQ-5D-5L scores. However, a negative trend in MOXFQ domains was identified for the Cartiva group, as well as a reoperation rate of 23.5%. Conclusions. The Cartiva SCI demonstrated no advantage over arthrodesis in PROMs, despite the presumed benefit of preserved ROM. A significant reoperation rate was also observed. Surgeons should be cautious in the use of this novel implant

Muller-Weiss disease is an uncommon condition with unclear etiology and no gold standard treatment. The question arises; which joints to fuse? Although no consensuses prevail, one must postulate fusion should include those affected. Consequently, to establish an algorithm for its surgical management we set out to study clinical and radiographic features with use of SPECT-CT and a literature review. 57 consecutive feet presenting with Muller-Weiss disease analysed; 15 men, 25 women, age 22–84. Condition bilateral in 17, left side 16, right in 7 patients. Specific history and examination by senior author. Radiographic series and SPECT-CT obtained with surgery performed on significantly symptomatic feet. Measurements of Meary-Tomeno angles, anteroposterior thickness of navicular at the midpoint of each naviculo-cuneiform, alongside the medial extrusion distance and percentage of compression in each case performed. Poor correlation between Meary's angle and 1) degree of compression at naviculo-cuneiform joints, 2) degree of extrusion 3) compression vs extrusion using R. 2. coefficient of determination (invalidating Maceira et al. classification). In unilateral cases, extrusion significantly greater on affected side 94.7% (P< 0.001 Fisher exact test). Degree of extrusion significantly greater in bilateral than unilateral cases (p=0.004 unpaired T test). Valgus hindfoot and Meary's negative most common pattern with no correlation between heel alignment and Meary's R. 2. = 0.003. SPECT-CT useful to determine subtalar involvement in ‘stage 2 disease.’. Following review of cases and published literature we propose the following classification for Muller-Weiss disease with treatment algorithm. 3 Stage delineation; Stage 1 (Normal hindfoot alignment); 1A. Talonavicular disease only - Isolated Talonavicular arthrodesis 1B. Talonavicular + Subtalar; double medial or triple arthrodesis. Stage 2. Talonavicular + Naviculocuneiform; 2A. Adequate bone stock - Talo-naviculo-cuneiform arthrodesis, 2B. Inadequate bone stock +- subtalar disease; Talo-naviculo-cuneiform arthrodesis with tricortical bone graft (Mayich). Stage 3; Asymmetric ankle varus. Pantalar arthrodesis Double/triple/TNC/TAR arthrodesis with hindfoot re-alignment

One assumed function of Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) is that by maintaining ankle joint motion we can protect the other hind foot joints from further degredation. 1. However, there is no work to our knowledge that compares hindfoot outcomes between TAR and arthrodesis. Sokolowski et al. found that 68% of TAR patients had no radiological progression of subtalar arthritis after TAR, and 4% went on to fusion. 2. However, no evaluation of the other hindfoot joints was made and no comparison made to other treatment. We performed a retrospective review of all patients at our centre who had had a TAR or ankle arthrodesis since 2002. Case notes and imaging were reviewed and all instances of hindfoot treatment (injections or surgical procedures) noted. Patients were excluded who had no documentation, were followed up at other hospitals, had prior hindfoot fusion, or were having staged surgeries at the time of index treatment. Chi squared analysis was used to compare the cohorts. 214 arthrodesis cases and 302 TAR were eligible. The average age was 57. Average time to follow up was 13 years (4–21). At the time of abstract submission 107 sets of notes had been reviewed fully. Full analysis will be performed by conference. 14% of TAR patients went on to have further procedures to the hindfoot joints while 35% of arthrodesis patients had further procedures (p=0.014). There was also a significant difference in the number of patients progressing to fusion of a further hindfoot joint between groups (TAR- 4%, arthrodesis- 20%, p=0.01). These data suggest that TAR are protective of symptomatic change of hindfoot joints. Patients with TAR had fewer hindfoot fusions than those with arthrodesis and also fewer procedures of any form, including injections

Introduction. Cheilectomy is a recommended procedure for the earlier stages of osteoarthritis of the 1. st. metatarsophalangeal joint. Although good improvement in symptoms have been reported in many studies, the long term performance of this procedure is not well understood. It is thought that a significant number of patients go onto have arthrodesis or joint replacement. We report on a large cohort of patients who received this procedure and report on the complications and mid-term outcome. Methods. This is a retrospective study looking at all patients who underwent cheilectomy for hallux rigidus between November 2007 and August 2018. Departmental database was used to access patient details and outcome measures recorded include: postoperative wound infection, patient reported improvement in pain and the incidence of further surgical interventions like revision cheilectomy and conversion to arthrodesis and arthroplasty. X-rays were studied using PACS to stage the osteoarthritis (Hattrup and Johnson classification). Results. A total of 240 feet in 220 patients (20 bilateral surgeries) were included in the study, there were 164 Females (75%) and 56 Males (25%), the median age was 55 years (range 22–90 years). Radiological assessment showed 89 Stage 1 arthritis(42%), 105 Stage 2 (50%), 17 Stage 3 (8%) and 9 patients were excluded due to unavailable X-rays. 5 patients (2%) had superficial wound infection. There were 16 further surgeries (7%) performed in this cohort, 12 arthrodesis (5%), 3 revision cheilectomy and 1conversion to arthroplasty. 157 patients were found to be pain-free at the latest post-operative visit (77%), 48 reported minimal pain (23%), 15 patients were excluded due to unavailable data. Conclusion. Cheilectomy appears to produce good improvement in pain with a low complication rate. The rate of conversion to arthrodesis/arthroplasty is lower than in many reported studies

Background. Whereas arthroscopic arthrodesis of the ankle is commonplace and of the subtalar joint is established, reports of arthroscopic talo-navicular fusion are a rarity. Aim. To review a case series to establish if arthroscopic talo-navicular arthrodesis is a feasible surgical option. Methods. Arthroscopic decortication of the talo-navicular joint is performed via x1-2 sinus tarsi portals and x1-2 accessory talo-navicular portals using a standard arthroscope and a 4.5 barrel burr. Internal fixation is by a 5mm screw from the navicular tuberosity and x2 headless compression screws introduced under image intensification from the dorsal navicular to the talar head. Between 2004 and 2017 a consecutive series of 164 patients underwent arthroscopic hindfoot arthrodeses of which 72 involved the talo-navicular joint. Only 13 procedures were of that joint alone in unsullied feet. The medical records of these 13 patients were reviewed to assess radiological fusion, complications and improvement of pre-operative state. Results. All Talo-navicular joints were successfully decorticated. All united radiologically by a mean 4.4 months (range 3–8). There were no major complications. All patients reported improvement to their pre-operative symptoms but one patient developed lateral column pain requiring fusion. Conclusions. Arthroscopic Talo-navicular arthrodesis is technically feasible with good rates of union. Complications were rare, making the technique attractive when encountering a poor soft tissue envelope. The surgery cannot be used if bone grafting is required. Long term discomfort can arise from adjacent joints. Accurate alignment is critical

Background. Open subtalar arthrodesis has been associated with a moderate rate of non-union, as high 16.3%, and high rates of infection and nerve injury. Performing this operation arthroscopically serves to limit the disruption to the soft tissue envelope, improve union rates and reduce infection. Our study describes our outcomes and experience of this operation. Method. Retrospective review of all patients who underwent an arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis between 2023 and 2008. We excluded patients undergoing concurrent adjacent joint arthrodesis. The primary aim was to report on rates of union. Secondary outcomes included reporting on conversion to open procedure, duration of surgery, infection, and iatrogenic injury to surrounding structures. Results. 135 patients were included in the final analysis. 129 patients (95.5%) achieved union. The median time to fusion was 98 days. All cases were performed through sinus tarsi portals. 38 cases were performed with an additional posterolateral portal. Most cases (107/77%) were performed with 2 screws. 3 cases (2.2%) were converted to open procedures. The median tourniquet time was 86 minutes but available in only 88 (65%) cases. There were 4 (2.9%) superficial infections and no deep infections. 1 patient sustained an injury to FHL and there were no reported nerve injuries. Conclusions. At present this is the largest series of arthroscopic subtalar arthrodeses. We demonstrate that this operation can achieve high rates of union with low rates of infection with an equally low likelihood of needing to convert to an open procedure with modest operative times. In our experience the addition of a posterolateral portal does not appear to increase the incidence of nerve injury and aids in the visualisation of all 3 facets