Primary Fusion of the Lateral Subtalar Joint in the Treatment of the Calcaneum

Abstract

The calcaneum is so shaped and related to the wedge-shaped inferior surface of the talus that it's fracture is difficult in treatment.
Osteoarthritis develops in a damage and distored subtalar joint and this complication is the main cause of late and prolonged disabilitty.
Six patients with fractures of the calcaneum have been treated in subtalar arthrodesis, three in subtalar and Chopart joint fusion, and three in reposition with Westhues pin.
We consider if there is significant distoration of the subtalar joint, operative fusion of the joint should be undertaken as a primary treatment.
We assume that, in this way, average periode of time until returen to work is able to shorten.