Arthroscopic evaluation of the subtalar joint: does sinus tarsi syndrome exist?

This is a retrospective review of 49 subtalar arthroscopies performed between 1989 and 1996. Patients were evaluated in the following areas: (1) preoperative diagnosis, (2) preoperative tests and clinical evaluation, (3) intraoperative findings, (4) postoperative diagnosis,(5) complications, and (6) clinical outcome. Particular attention was paid to the accuracy of the preoperative diagnosis, subtalar instability, intraoperative findings in sinus tarsi syndrome, and clinical outcome. Overall, this study demonstrated a success rate of 94% good and excellent results in the treatment of various types of subtalar pathologic conditions with arthroscopic techniques. The Workers' Compensation cases reported 90% good and excellent results. The complication rate was low, with five minor complications reported. The most common complication was a transient neuropraxia involving branches of the superficial peroneal nerve. Of the 14 feet that had a preoperative diagnosis of sinus tarsi syndrome, all the diagnoses were changed at the time of arthroscopy. The postoperative diagnoses included 10 interosseous ligament tears, two cases of arthrofibrosis, and two degenerative joints. Based on these findings, "sinus tarsi syndrome" seems to be an inaccurate term that should be replaced with a specific diagnosis. Arthroscopy is the tool that will allow the orthopaedic surgeon to make a more accurate diagnosis.