Extraarticular subtalar arthrodesis with internal fixation.

Forty extraarticular subtalar arthrodeses with internal fixation were performed in 26 patients with cerebral palsy who had a mobile, paralytic planovalgus deformity. We assessed the correction achieved and maintained by evaluating the clinical status, improvement in gait, correction of deformity, and foot stability. Union was achieved in a mean interval of 10 weeks with no instance of mechanical failure of the fixation screw. At a mean follow-up of 30 months, 38 feet (95%) were rated excellent or good and two were rated fair. The advantages of this technique of extraarticular subtalar arthrodesis warrant continued use of this procedure.