Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis for the Treatment of Intra-articular Calcaneal Comminuted Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional outcomes of the severely comminuted intra-articular calcaneal fractures that were selectively treated with primary subtalar arthrodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is based on the 9 patients, 10 feet of intra-articular severely comminuted calcaneal fractures that were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with primary subtalar arthrodesis due to inability to reconstruct the subtalar articular surface with follow-up of more than 1 year. Postoperative clinical evaluation was performed with AOFAS Hindfoot functional scores. The patient satisfaction, returning to previous occupation and complications were also investigated. RESULTS: Follow-up period was average 20.3 months. Overall AOFAS functional score at final follow-up was average 71.8 points and VAS pain score was 3.9. Fifty percent of the patients were satisfied with the surgery and 80% of the patients were able to return to their previous occupations at average 8.4 months after trauma. Post-operative complications were 2 cases of sural nerve injuries and 1 hindfoot valgus malunion. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the primary subtalar arthrodesis is a viable surgical option for severely comminuted calcaneal fractures with favorable functional result and early returning of most patients to their previous occupations.