• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.66-70
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• 2006

Purpose: To analyze the clinical and radiological outcome of subtalar arthrodesis using cannulated screws and morselized bone graft. Materials and Methods: Twenty one patients with follow-up of more than 1 year after subtalar arthrodesis were included in this study. Mean age was 40.8 years, and mean follow-up duration was 38 months. Underlying diseases were 19 cases of posttraumatic arthritis (18 calcaneal fractures and 1 talar fracture) and 2 cases of tarsal coalition. Clinically AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, operation time, complication and satisfaction of patients were analyzed. Radiologically time to union, arthritis of surrounding joints, preoperative and postoperative talar declination angle were analyzed. Results: AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was improved from preoperative 33 points to postooperative 79 points. Eighteen patients (86%) were satisfied with the results. Mean operation time was 91 minutes. All cases were fixed with 1-2 cannulated screws and morselized bone graft. Mean time to radiologic union was 12.1 weeks. There was 1 case of delayed union. There was no significant perioperative changes in talar declination angles. Conclusion: Subtalar arthrodesis using cannulated screws and morselized bone graft seems to be relatively simple and effective treatment method for subtalar arthritis.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.116-122
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• 2012

Purpose: Subtalar arthrodesis has been the gold standard for the painful subtalar joint disorders. Successful subtalar arthrodesis requires fusion of the 3 facet joints. The purpose of the study is to compare the clinical outcome of the posterior fixation (P2) and anterior-posterior (A1P1) fixation technique for subtalar arthrodesis which enhance anterior and middle facet fixation. Materials and Methods: The study is based on the 20 feet (19 patients) of the subtalar arthrodesis utilizing cannulated screws from September 2006 to September 2009 with at least 1-year follow-up. Two fixation techniques were utilized for the subtalar arthrodesis: 1) posterior fixation only (P2, 7 feet, 35%) and 2) anterior-posterior (A1P1) fixation method (13 feet, 65%). Visual Analog Scale Pain (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score (maximum: 94 points), the time for returning to daily living and the patient satisfaction were also evaluated. Results: Average follow-up period were 13.2 months (12-3 mo). The AOFAS score improved from preoperative average 45 (0-68) to 81.6 (62-94), while VAS score was decreased from average 8.0 (3-10) to 1.8 (0-5) at final follow-up. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with surgery. All the patients returned to daily living at average 7.2 months (2-15 mo) post-surgery. Radiographically, 2 techniques both showed 100% fusion of the posterior compartment of the subtalar joint. Postoperative complications were 1 case of low grade infection and 1 case of sural nerve neuralgia. Conclusion: The subtalar arthrodesis using A1P1 fixation technique showed better fusion rate of the anterior compartment of the subtalar joint compared to P2 fixation technique although the 2 techniques both showed similar favorable clinical outcome. Therefore the A1P1 fixation technique is found to be a viable option to address chronic painful subtalar joint disorders to enhance the anterior compartment fixation.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.193-196
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• 2005

A posterior 3-portal arthroscopic approach with the patient in the prone position provides a novel and optimal approach for isolated subtalar arthrodesis. This approach facilitates access to the posterior talocalcaneal facet and facilitates safe access with regard to the posteromedial neuromuscular bundle. The technique involves prone positioning, establishment of two posterolateral portals and one posteromedial portal, arthroscopic posterior talocalcaneal facet debridement, percutaneous morcellized bone grafting and internal screw fixation. Preliminary results have shown high patient satisfaction, an excellent fusion rate and less postoperative morbidity than open subtalar arthrodesis.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.26-30
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• 2012

The subtalar joint is a complex joint that is functionally responsible for inversion and eversion of the hindfoot. Advances in optical technology and surgical instrumentation have allowed the arthorscocpic surgeon to investiagate the small joints including the subtalar joint. Indications for subtalar arthroscopy include pain, swelling, stiffness and locking. Therapeutic indications include treatment of chondromalacia, osteophytes, arthrofibrosis, synovitis, loose bodies, osteochondral lesions, excision of a painful os trigonum, arthrodesis, and FHL tendinopathy. Contraindications to subtalar arthroscopy include infection, advanced osteoarthritis with deformity, severe edema, poor vascularity and poor skin quality. Subtalar arthroscopy is a technically demanding and difficult procedure that should only be performed by experienced surgeons. With proper instrumentation and careful operative techniques, satisfactory results may be obtained with minimal morbidity.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.201-206
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• 2011

Purpose: Subtalar distraction arthrodesis is useful treatment option for restore hindfoot alignment. but, using structural autograft have high risk of donor site morbidity. Recently, by replacing the structural allograft has been reported satisfactory clinical results. Therefore, the authors reviewed the results of subtalar distraction arthrodesis using a structural allograft, retrospectively. Materials and Methods: From January 2008 to May 2010, 12 patients (12 feets; 9 male, 3 female) underwent subtalar distraction arthrodesis using frozen structural allograft. 9 cases were calcaneal malunion, 2 were nonunion or malunion after subtalar arthrodesis, 1 was other cause. Mean age was 38.9 (12~66) years old and follow up period was 16.5 (12~36) months. Surgical was performed with posterolateral approach and tricortical allobone block of frozen femoral neck was used. Analysis was done with retorspective manner to evaluate preoperative, postoperative, and final follow up radiologic measurement and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale. Results: There was statistically significant increase (p<0.05) of ankle-hindfoot scale from preoperative 27.5 points to postoperative 72.5 points, talocalcaneal height by 6.62 mm, calcaneal pitch angle by 5.73 degrees, lateral talocalcaneal angle by 6.38 degrees and significant decrease (p<0.05) of tali-1st metatarsal angle by 5.23 degrees. 11 feet (91.7%) acquired bony union and it takes average 5.1 months. Final post-operative result revealed talocalcaneal height changed by 2.57 mm, calcaneal pitch anble, lateral talocalcaneal angle, talar-1st metatarsal angle were changed by 2.63 degrees, 1.62 degrees, 1.18 degrees, respectively (p<0.05). 3 cases of partial osteonecrosis of posterior facet of calcaneus were observed in operation field, 4 cases of complication were developed (1 case of nonunion, 1 collapse of allobone graft, 1 screw loosening, 1 superficial skin necrosis). Conclusion: Subtalar distraction arthrodesis using frozen structural allobone graft is useful alternative treatment method of arthrodesis with structural autobone graft.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2005

Purpose: To analyze the overall clinical outcome, overall assessment, and patient's satisfaction rate of subtalar arthrodesis using the cannulated compression screw. Materials and Methods: This study is based on 17 patients, 17 feet who underwent subtalar arthrodesis using the cannulated compression screw from March, 1997 to March, 2004 with at least 1 year follow-up. The average follow-up period was 33.0 months (12 to 72 months). Functional results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot (AOFAS) score, and Visual Analysis Scale (VAS) pain score, patients' returning to previous occupation and patients' satisfaction rate were also evaluated. Results: The mean AOFAS scores at final follow-up were 80.4 points (range $66{\sim}92$). The satisfactory rates were as follow. Thirteen patients (76.4%) were at least satisfied with surgical result at final follow-up. Patients' VAS pain score was average 2.8 points ($1{\sim}6$). Fourteen (82.3%) patients returned to previous job at mean postoperative period of 11.3 months (range 3-18 months). Patients' work efficiency after returning to previous occupation was 68.7% (range $33{\sim}100%$). There were 9 complications which were 3 cases of sural nerve injury, 1 case of valgus malunion, and 5 cases of the hindfoot residual pain. Conclusion: We obtained the satisfactory functional results with relatively high patient satisfaction rate of 76%. So we conclude that subtalar arthrodesis using the cannulated compression screw is a reliable method for addressing the painful end-stage subtalar osteoarthritis and unreconstructible comminuted calcaneal fractures. However we also found out that average 11 months were necessary for patients to return to their job.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.202-207
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using retrograde compressive intramedullary nail for patients with complex hindfoot problems, including Charcot arthropathy, osteonecrosis of talus, combined arthritis of the ankle and subtalar joint, failure of previous ankle arthrodesis, and failed total ankle arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: Eighteen consecutive patients (10 men and 8 women) with an average age of 54 years (range, 42~72 years) underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using retrograde compressive intramedullary nail fixation. The mean duration of follow-up was 16 months (range, 12~23 months). Radiological evaluation included assessment of the union status of ankle and subtalar joints. Clinical evaluations included visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: Radiological union was achieved in 14 ankle joints (77%) and 16 subtalar joints (88%) at an average of 16 weeks (range, 14~40 weeks) and 14 weeks (range, 12~24 weeks), respectively. The preoperative VAS were 4.6 (range, 4~8) at rest and 8.2 (range, 7~10) during walking, and the postoperative VAS were 2.2 (range, 0~3) and 4.6 (range, 4~6), respectively (p<0.05). There were 6 nonunions (4 ankle joints and 2 subtalar joints), 3 tibia fractures, 2 delayed union of ankle joints, and 2 breakage of the implant. Conclusion: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using retrograde compressive intramedullary nail may be considered as a viable option in patients with complex hindfoot problems.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.68-74
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the results and efficacy of subtalar distraction two bone-block arthrodesis for calcaneal malunion. Materials and Methods: From January 2004 to June 2007, we operated on 8 patients (12 cases). There were 7 male patients and 1 female patient; their mean age was 42 years. 8 cases among them were operated initially. The period between initial injury and arthrodesis was 21 months. At an average follow up was 19 months. In operation, we used extensile lateral approach and arthrodesis was performed through tricortical two bone-block and cannulated screws. The Ankle-Hindfoot scale was used for clinical evaluation. In radiologic analysis, plain X-ray and CT were examined union and various parameters. Results: All cases achieved radiologic union at the final follow-up. The mean Ankle-hindfoot scale (maximum of 94 points) increased from 43.4 points preoperatively to 84 points at the final follow-up. The radiologic analysis of the pre- and postoperative standing lateral radiographs showed and average increase of 5.5 mm in talo-calcaneal height, $5.1^{\circ}$ in talocalcaneal angle, $6.1^{\circ}$ in talar declination angle and decrease of $5.7^{\circ}$ in talo-first metatarsal angle. Conclusion: The short term results of subtalar distraction two bone-block arthrodesis is promising, but longer follow-up was needed.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.235-241
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• 2009

The development of good quality small-diametered arthroscopes and refined arthroscopic techniques has contributed to the improvement of the subtalar arthroscopy. The therapeutic indications are synovectomy, removal of loose bodies, debridement and drilling of osteochondritis dissecans, excision of subtalar impingement lesions and osteophytes, lysis of adhesions for post-traumatic arthrofibrosis, removal of a symptomatic os trigonum, calcaneal fracture assessment and reduction, and arthroscopic arthrodesis of the subtalar joint. The subtalar arthroscopy can be done in supine position using thigh holder or in lateral decubitus position. The arthroscope generally used is a 2.7-mm 30 degrees short arthroscope. Noninvasive distraction with a strap around the hindfoot can be helpful. Usually anterolateral, middle and posterolateral portals are utilized for inspection and instrumentation within the joint. Twoportal posterior subtalar arthroscopy in prone position can be performed as well with 4.0-mm 30 degrees arthroscope, depending on the type and location of the subtalar pathology. The subtalar arthroscopy is a technically demanding procedure, which requires proper instrumentation and careful operative technique. Possible complications are nerve damage and persistent wound drainage.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.101-106
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• 2004

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of the SDBBA (Subtalar distraction bone block arthrodesis) procedure on patients with late complication of intra-articular calcaneal fractures including subtalar joint arthritis and anterior ankle impingement syndrome. Materials and Methods: Five cases in which the SDBBA procedure was implemented were followed for more than one year. All five patients were male with an average age of 56. Clinically, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and the pain score were assessed. Radiographically, the talocalcaneal height and the talar inclination angle were determined. Results: All five patients achieved subtalar joint fusion. The average pre-operative AOFAS score was 22.8 scores (range, 8-32 scores). At last follow-up, these scores improved to an average of 72.4 scores (range, 64-82 scores). The average pre-operative pain score was 8.2 scores (range, 7-10 scores). At last follow-up, these scores improved to an average of 13.2 (range, 12-15 scores). The average pre-operative talocalcaneal height was 72.8 mm (range, 70-77 mm), average post-operative talocalcaneal height improved to 79.8 mm (range, 78-84 mm). At final follow-up, these measurement was slightly decreased to average 78.6 mm (range, 74-83 mm). The average pre-operative talar inclination angle was 13.2 degrees (range, 12-15 degrees), average post-operative talar inclination angle improvedto 19.2 degrees (range, 15-24 degrees). At final follow-up, these measurement was slightly decreased to average 18.6 degrees (range, 12-24 degrees). Four patients achieved successful outcomes. One patient developed a wound infection with subsequent sural neuropathy as well as collapse of the bone graft. Conclusion: This study shows that the SDBBA procedure successfully restores the talocalcaneal height and tibio-talar relationship. This procedure is useful in surgically managed patients with talo-calcaneal height loss and anterior ankle impingement syndrome due to the late complications of calcaneal intra-articular fractures.