The Subtalar Arthroscopic Findings After Osteosynthesis for Calcaneal Fractures

Abstract

Category: Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: A Sanders type II-IV calcaneal fracture is an intrarticular fracture of the subtalar joint, which may shift to traumatic osteoarthritis. We therefore perform open reduction and plate fixation in order to obtain a good reduction in such fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the subtalar arthroscopy after osteosynthesis for calcaneal fractures. Methods: We performed subtalar arthroscopy in fifteen patients (male, n=12; female, n=3; mean age, 54.9) between September 2010 and April 2014 who had some complaints at the time of plate removal after the treatment of calcaneal fractures. The mean follow-up period was 9.1 months. The Sanders classifications were as follows: Type I (n=1), Type II (n=5), Type III (n=7) and Type IV (n=1). All of the cases had bone union. There was no cases of reduction failure. Observation and joint synovectomy was performed during subtalar arthroscopy, which was performed under lumbar anesthesia. Plate removal was performed after the completion of subtalar arthroscopy. Results: The average AOFAS score improved from 82 points preoperatively to 94 points postoperatively. There were no complications. The formation of intra-articular fibrous tissues and adhesion of the subtalar joint were observed during arthroscopy in all cases; traumatic articular cartilage injuries were found in 10 cases (67%); and synovitis around peroneal tendon was found in 13 cases (87%). Pain and displeasure improved after the resection of fibrous tissues and synovectomy. Conclusion: A patient who had an articular cartilage injury complained of low-level pain. Subtalar arthroscopy is a valuable tool after calcaneal fractures.