Between 2000 and 2004 we used subtalar arthrodesis to treat 44 patients for continued pain after intra-articular calcaneal fracture. All the fractures were due to laboral accidents.

Average time to union was 3 month(2 to 4 months). Complications were minor in 12 patients and major in 10 patients.

Lenght of follow-up was 23 months.

Hindfoot scores (clinical rating system of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society)improved from 35,11 to 67,22.

The results were excelent in 7 patients, good in 24, fair in 7 and bad in 6 patients. Return to previous activities was possible in 26 pacients.

We concludes that subtalar arthrodesis represents a rather effective treatment of the subtalar arthritis due to inta-articular calcaneal fractures.

The majority of patients can have improvement with surgical reconstruction but pain relief is usually not complete.