Functional outcome of subtalar arthrodesis using compression screws in cases of subtalar arthritis

Subtalar arthritis, which frequently results from fractures that are inadequately reduced surrounding the talus or calcaneus, induces chronic pain, rigidity and functional impairment. Subtalar arthrodesis is a conventional therapy for subtalar arthritis. Subtalar arthrodesis employs compression screws to facilitate the joint fusion, which may serve as an alternative. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 20 patients having subtalar arthritis who underwent subtalar arthrodesis with compression screws between September 2022 and January 2024. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were the primary outcomes that were assessed before and after surgery. Seventeen out of twenty patients that performed subtalar arthrodesis were able to achieve an effective fixation at the arthrodesis location. The success rate was 85%, with 17 of the 20 patients achieving successful fusion. The AOFAS scores improved about a mean of 65 prior to surgery to 88 and 93 at six and 10 months postoperatively, correspondingly, with a mean time to fusion of 16 weeks. High fusion rates and substantial AOFAS score improvements are indicative of the efficacy of subtalar arthrodesis with compression screws in enhancing functional outcomes and alleviating pain in patients having subtalar arthritis.