Arthroscopic Evaluation of the Subtalar Joint: A Review and Survey of Pathology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A survey of pathology present in the subtalar joint by means of subtalar arthroscopy with anterolateral and middle portals has not been extensively explored in current literature. The focus of our study was to identify pathology in the subtalar joint at the time of subtalar joint arthroscopy using this approach. We also compare our arthroscopic findings to those reported in the literature. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 49 consecutive patients that had undergone subtalar arthroscopy. Data were obtained from intraoperative arthroscopic findings that were documented in the operative note or with arthroscopic photography. Additional procedures including ankle arthroscopy, lateral ankle stabilization and peroneal tendon repair were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated and reported. RESULTS: Subtalar arthroscopic examination revealed that all cases (100%) had intra-articular synovitis or adhesions present. Twenty-two cases (42%) demonstrated subtalar joint instability, seven cases (13%) had chondromalacia and 1 case (2%) had an exostosis present. These observations are consistent with other reported findings in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the subtalar joint was most often affected by synovitis, adhesions and instability in patients with symptomatic pathologies requiring subtalar arthroscopy. There was a relatively low incidence of chondromalacia or exostosis formation in our survey.