Compression arthrodesis of the subtalar joint using two parallel lag screws

ABSTRACT

Thirteen subtalar fusions in 12 patients were included in this study. In situ arthrodesis was done in 11 fusions and distraction arthrodesis with bone block graft was done in two cases. Stabilization of the fusion was done by two parallel lag screws, one from the talar neck down to the calcaneus and the second from the tuberosity of the calcaneus to the talar body. They exert maximum compression on the subtalar joint, hence postoperative plaster cast was not needed. All cases reached union within 12 weeks. The results of the study showed that the use of two parallel lag screws fixation is a reliable technique for compression arthrodesis of the subtalar joint