Hindfoot Injuries: How to Avoid Posttraumatic Varus Deformity?

Posttraumatic hindfoot varus may result from nonoperative treatment or inadequate reduction and fixation of talar and calcaneal fractures. Adequate visualization of the talar neck via bilateral approaches is essential in avoiding malreduction. In cases of medial comminution of the talar neck, lag screws must be avoided and the use of single or double plates should be considered. A Schanz screw introduced into the calcaneal tuberosity is instrumental in realigning shortening, varus, or valgus deformity of the heel. Special attention should be paid to addressing impaction of the medial facet of both the talus and calcaneus to avoid hindfoot varus.