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Subtalar arthrodesis is surgery that permanently fuses the subtalar joint between the talus and calcaneus. The subtalar joint is located beneath the ankle and contributes substantially to side-to-side motion of the hindfoot. Fusion removes painful motion by joining the two bones into one stable unit. The ankle joint itself is not fused during an isolated subtalar arthrodesis.
read more about subtalar arthrodesis ...The procedure is used for painful subtalar arthritis, commonly after a calcaneus fracture or other hindfoot injury. It can also be used for arthritis related to inflammatory disease, severe deformity, tarsal coalition, or selected instability. Surgery is considered when pain and functional limitation remain significant despite bracing, activity changes, medication, injections, or other nonsurgical care. The surgeon also evaluates ankle alignment and nearby joints because hindfoot deformity can require additional corrective procedures.
The surgeon reaches the subtalar joint through an open or arthroscopic approach and removes the remaining damaged cartilage from the joint surfaces. The talus and calcaneus are positioned in appropriate hindfoot alignment, and the prepared surfaces are placed in direct contact. Screws are commonly inserted across the joint to hold the bones stable while fusion occurs. Bone graft can be added when needed to promote healing or fill defects.
The foot is immobilized in a splint, cast, or boot while the fusion begins to heal. Weight-bearing is restricted for a period determined by bone healing, fixation, bone quality, and the surgeon's protocol. Follow-up X-rays or computed tomography can be used when needed to assess whether the talus and calcaneus have united. Once healing is adequate, rehabilitation progresses walking, strength, and balance, although side-to-side hindfoot motion remains permanently reduced.
Possible complications include infection, wound problems, nerve irritation, blood clots, hardware discomfort, malalignment, delayed union, and nonunion. Smoking and other factors that impair bone healing can increase the risk that the joint does not fuse. Loss of subtalar motion changes how forces pass through the foot and can contribute to arthritis in neighboring joints over time. Persistent pain or failed fusion can require bone grafting, hardware revision, or repeat arthrodesis.
No. It fuses the subtalar joint beneath the ankle. An isolated procedure leaves the main ankle joint between the tibia and talus unfused.
Side-to-side hindfoot motion, including much of inversion and eversion, is reduced. Up-and-down ankle motion is largely produced at the ankle joint and is preserved.
Yes. One or more screws are commonly used to compress and stabilize the talus and calcaneus while the joint surfaces fuse.
Yes. Nonunion is a recognized complication and can cause persistent pain. Smoking, poor bone quality, medical conditions, and mechanical factors can affect healing.
Subtalar Joint Fusion Surgery Procedure & Recovery. FootCareMD, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. https://www.footcaremd.org/foot-and-ankle-treatments/ankle/subtalar-fusion. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
Overview of subtalar arthrodesis techniques: options, pitfalls and solutions. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20655009/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
Long-term results of in situ subtalar arthrodesis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20556382/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
Outcomes and Complications After Open Versus Posterior Arthroscopic Subtalar Arthrodesis in 121 Patients. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27098322/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.
Subtalar Arthrodesis Union Rates With and Without Adjacent Ankle Arthrodesis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35869646/. Date Accessed August 13, 2026.