title: Arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the hindfoot: a prospective study of 41 cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This prospective study evaluated the results of arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis for painful hindfoot osteoarthritis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The hypotheses were that (1) the arthroscopic technique results in a reliable fusion rate, (2) the clinical outcome is better than the open procedure and (3) complication rates are lower. Forty-one arthroscopic subtalar fusions were done in 37 consecutive symptomatic patients without hindfoot deformity between December, 1997, and May, 2003. Indications for fusion were persistent pain with reduced range of motion and impaired daily activities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average modified AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score improved from 53 (range 22 to 69) points preoperatively to 84 (range 41 to 94) points at final follow-up (average 55 months, range 24 to 89 months). Union was achieved in all cases. Radiographic progression of degeneration in the adjacent joints was observed in three patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In painful hindfoot osteoarthritis the arthroscopic technique provides reliable fusion and high patient satisfaction with the advantages of a minimally invasive procedure.
authors.affiliation: Schulthessclinic, Lower Extremity Group, Lengghalde 2, Zurich 8008, Switzerland. mglanzmann@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Michael Christoph
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Glanzmann
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sanhueza-Hernandez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013380:Subtalar Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome