Objective To discuss subtalar fusion with mini-incision and percutaneous cannulated screws for treatment of subtalar arthritis. Methods From January 2006 to December 2009, 26 patients (27 feet) underwent subtalar fusion due to serious subtalar joint arthritis which had not responded to conservative treatment for more than 6 months. They were 13 males and 13 females, with an average age of 38.7years (26 to 73 years) . The arthritis involved 11 left and 16 right feet, with a mean disease course of 8.3months (6 to 25 months). The subtalar joint was explored laterally by an incision of about 4 cm and fixed with2 percutaneous cannulated screws. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system for functions of the ankle and hind foot and by the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain. All patients were evaluated by X-ray and CT scan.Results All patients were followed up for 6 to 47 months (mean, 18.5 months). The VAS scores increasedfrom 6.9 ± 0.7 points preoperatively to 1.5 ± 0. 3 points postoperatively( t = 17. 000, P = 0. 000). The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores increased from 54.3 ± 12.1 points preoperatively to 82. 6 ± 11.3 points postoperatively( t = 6. 308, P = 0. 000). All patients got good fusion after a mean time of 10. 8 weeks ( 10 to 14weeks) . Conclusion The subtalar joint fusion with mini-incision and percutaneous cannulated screws may acquire good clinical outcomes, with minimal invasion, fast recovery and few complications.