To explore the feasibility of using the Kirschner wire-assisted positioning method to rapidly establish the subtalar arthroscopic portal, and conduct follow-ups to investigate the short-term efficacy of the subtalar arthroscopy to provide evidence for its further promotion and application.

The patients who underwent conventional subtalar arthroscopic debridement or arthrodesis using Kirschner wire-assisted positioning method at the Center for Joint Surgery of Southwest Hospital from October, 2011 to July, 2019 were followed up. The perioperative complications were recorded; the paired t test was used to analyze the preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores; the bone fusion time of the arthrodesis group was recorded.

A total of 26 patients were followedup, with a follow-up time of (45±26) months. There was no vascular nerve injury intraoperatively, and no complications of incision infection, poor healing and deep vein thrombosis postoperatively. Twenty-two patients underwent arthroscopic debridement. Compared with the preoperative VAS score (6.8±1.1), the VAS score at the last follow-up decreased to (1.3±0.8), and the difference was statistically significant (t=24.783, P<0.001). the AOFAS score were (68.2±13.0) points before the surgery, and (91.7±6.9) points after the surgery (t=-13.504, P<0.001). Four cases underwent arthroscopic arthrodesis, and the bone fusion time were(12.0±1.6)weeks.

The application of the Kirschner wire-assisted positioning method can rapidly establish the subtalar arthroscopic portal with a clear field of vision, which meets the conventional requirements for subtalar arthroscopic debridement or arthrodesis, which is of great value for inexperienced surgeons performing foot and ankle arthroscopy.