Distraction Arthrodesis of Subtalar Joint Using a Laterally Placed Hinged Distractor

Many joint-depressive, neglected calcaneal fractures need distraction arthrodesis of the subtalar joint. Because the calcaneal tuberosity is usually malunited in the varus position, more distraction is required on the medial side to place the tuberosity in the everted position before insertion of a bone graft. Traditionally, a distractor is placed on the medial side to achieve this task. However, the medially placed distractor hinders with the positioning of the extremity and exposure of the main operative site, which is commonly on the lateral side. We introduce a technique to avoid this burden by placing a hinged distractor device on the lateral aspect of the foot while maintaining the correction of the varus deformity. (C) 2012 by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. All rights reserved.