Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Orthopedic Surgery

In the current study, Thirty patients were subjected to posterior athroscpic subtalar joint fusion in prone position, 22 were males and 8 were females, cause of pain varied from post-traumatic subtalar arthritis (28 cases) and talocalcaneal coalation (2 cases). This approach with less invasive nature and preservation of blood supply allows a better visualization and estimation of the posterior subtalar joint. Using the FHL tendon as a boundary landmark allows safe and effective exposure of the ankle and subtalar joints with prone positioning. Also, the access to the posteromedial corner is easier. The prone position is also perfect for an easy insertion of the screws and allows an easy access to the ankle joint if an additional procedure is needed. Looking and working directly in the long axis of the joint will provide better control of the fusion position, through preparation of the fusion site, minimal bone removal, and less chance of varus-valgus malunion. Follow-up was ranged from 5 to 9 months from May/2016 till February/2017 with a mean of 6.75 months. We observed union in all cases with one case of delayed union who was heavy smoker (40 cigarette per day for 35 years) and fixed by one canullated screw. The mean time for fusion was 11.7 weeks. Average AOFAS score improved from 47 (range from 32 to 65) to 78 (range from 66 to 91). There was no neurovascular injury or skin complication except one case of superficial infection that treated conservatively

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