Arthroscopic Evaluation of the Subtalar Joint: Does Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

INTRODUCTIONThe complex anatomy of the subtalar joint makes radiographic and arthroscopic examination difficult(Fig. 1). With the introduction of smallinstruments and precise techniques, arthroscopy ofthe small joints, including the subtalar joint, has expandedduring the last decade. Despite an expansionof techniques, the number of reports dealing with subtalarjoint arthroscopy remains small, and even fewerreports deal with clinical applications and results.The purpose of this study was to undertake a retrospectivereview of 49 subtalar arthroscopies performedby the senior author between 1989 and 1996.Patients were evaluated in the following areas: ('1)preoperative diagnosis, (2) preoperative tests and cllnicalevaluation (including MRI and stress tests), (3)intraoperative findings, (4) postoperative diagnosis, (5)complrcations, and (6) clinical outcome. Particular attentionwas paid to the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis,subtalar instability, intraoperative findings insinus tarsi syndrome, and clinical outcome.