• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the results of subtalar arthroscopy and to define the indications for the procedure. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients were followed up for more than 1 year after subtalar arthroscopy. The mean age was 40 years, and the mean follow-up period was 18 months. Preoperative diagnoses included sinus tarsi syndrome in 19 cases, degenerative arthritis in 13 cases, calcaneal fracture in 10 cases, arthrofibrosis in 5 cases, os trigonum syndrome in 3 cases, talar fracture in 3 cases, talocalcaneal coalition in 3 cases and calcaneal tumor in 1 case. Clinically AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale and satisfaction of the patients were evaluated. Results: There were 23 synovectomies, 13 subtalar fusions, 11 diagnostic arthroscopies, 5 adhesiolyses, 4 loose body removals, 3 excisions of os trigonum and 1 arthroscopic reduction of fracture. Twenty-five ankle arthroscopies and 11 modified Brostrom's operations were performed for the accompaning 17 ankle impingment syndromes, 11 chronic ankle instabilities and 7 osteochondral lesions of talus. AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was increased from 33 points preoperatively to 77 points postoperatively in subtalar fusion group, and was increased from 69 points preoperatively to 89 points postoperatively in other-than-fusion group. Ninety one percent of patients were satisfied with the procedures. There were no serious complications related to the subtalar arthroscopy. Conclusion: Subtalar arthroscopy appears to be safe and highly accurate procedure for subtalar pathology, although it requires technical expertise.