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Subtalar dislocations, ankle dislocations, and total talar dislocations are high-energy injuries. As such, there may be associated osseous or soft tissue injuries that can be diagnosed with advanced imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or MRI. With closed injuries, closed reduction may require sedation or general anesthesia, flexion of the knee to release the tension of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, distraction is applied, the deformity is accentuated, then the deformity is corrected. Open injuries are usually associated with a higher level of energy and a higher rate of infection. It is important to thoroughly irrigate and debride open dislocations both before and after reduction., Competing Interests: Disclosure Author has nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although uncommon, subtalar joint dislocations remain a frequently missed orthopaedic emergency. Detailed soft tissue and neurovascular assessment is important and these should be documented as appropriate. Failure of urgent reduction might lead to increased risk of conversion to an open injury as a result of pressure necrosis of the overlying skin, risk of talar avascular necrosis and risk of neurovascular compromise. A computed tomography scan is needed in all cases following successful closed or open reduction to identify associated occult foot and ankle fractures. The goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of soft tissue and neurovascular compromise and achieve a supple, painless foot. This article highlights the importance of early identification of this injury and institution of appropriate management according to the latest evidence, to reduce the risk of complications and lead to the best outcomes.

Background: Subtalar joint dislocation (1% of all dislocations) is the permanent loss of articular relationships in the talonavicular and talocalcaneal joints, without other involvement of the foot. Dislocation can occur medially (85%), laterally (15%), posteriorly (2.5%) and anteriorly (1%). Reduction can be performed by closed or open technique; lateral dislocations often require open reduction because of inclusion of soft tissues or bone fragments. Lateral dislocations are frequently complicated by bone exposure, risk of infection and associated soft tissues injuries., Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to explain main characteristics and to clarify the most important pitfalls of subtalar dislocations., Materials and Methods: We examined 47 articles published in the last thirty years (389 cases). For each dislocation we reviewed its main characteristics: direction, bone exposure, need for open reduction and for surgical stabilisation, associated injuries and method used for diagnosis., Results: Medial dislocations (68.1%) has greater incidence compared to lateral ones (27.7%). Bone exposure (44.5%), associated lesions (44.5%) and need for surgical reduction (48.2%) are much more represented in lateral dislocation than in the others., Conclusions: Subtalar dislocations, especially the lateral one, represent a challenge for surgeons. Lateral subtalar dislocation occurs following high-energy trauma often involving associated injuries. Closed reduction could be unsuccessful and patients must undergo surgical reduction. After reduction CT scan is recommended. Our narrative review confirms these findings., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Pathologies of the medial talus (e.g., fractures, tarsal coalitions) can lead to symptomatic problems such as pain and nonunion. Bony resection may be a good solution for both. It is unclear how much of the medial talus can be taken before the subtalar joint becomes unstable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect a limited resection of the medial talar facet and the anteromedial portion of the posterior talar facet has on subtalar stability., Methods: Eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric lower limbs were mounted in a frame for simulated weight-bearing. Computed tomography scans were obtained under 700 N single-legged stance loading, with the foot in neutral, 15° inversion, and 15° eversion positions. A sequential resection of 10, 20, and 30% of the medial facet and the anteromedial portion of the posterior talar facet to the calcaneus, based on the intact talus width, was performed. Measurements of subtalar vertical angulation, talar subluxation, coronal posterior facet angle and talocalcaneal (Kite) angle in the anteroposterior and lateral view were performed., Results: Gross clinical instability was not observed in any of the specimens. No significant differences were detected in the measurements between the resected and intact states (P ≥ 0.10) as well as among the resected states (P ≥ 0.11)., Conclusion: In a biomechanical setting, resecting up to 30% of the medial facet and anteromedial portion of the posterior facet based on the intact talus width-does not result in any measurable instability of the subtalar joint in presence of intact ligamentous structures., Level of Evidence: V., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Complete isolated calcaneal dislocation, defined as dislocation of talocalcaneal and calcaneocuboid joints with intact talonavicular joint without significant fracture, is an exceedingly rare injury., Case Presentation: A 49-year-old man, after a motor vehicle collision, presented with a closed isolated anterolateral dislocation of the calcaneus associated with fracture of the sustentaculum tali, cuboid, lateral process of the talus, and avulsion fracture of superior peroneal retinaculum. Urgent successful closed reduction was immediately performed in the emergency room under sedation. Two days later, through sinus tarsi approach extended proximally to posterior of the lateral malleolus and distally to the calcaneocuboid joint, peroneal tendons were reduced in the retromalleolar groove and avulsion fracture of the superior peroneal retinaculum was reduced and fixed by a suture anchor. A chondral lesion (6 × 8 mm) was seen in the posterior facet of the calcaneus for that chondroplasty and microfracture were performed. Also, small bony fragments from the cuboid were excised. The reduced calcaneocuboid joint was fixed by two Kirschner wires. In the second stage, 10 days later, through medial approach to the talocalcaneal joint, multiple free bony fragments were excised. Then sustentaculum tali was reduced and fixed using a lag screw. Postoperatively, a non-weight bearing short leg cast was applied for six weeks. The patient had permission to start partial weight bearing 6 weeks after removal of K-wires. Finally, at the 10th postoperative week, he had full weight-bearing without any aid instrument. He was able to return to his regular activities about 6 months after the injury. At 34 months, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale was 92 from 100. The foot function index percentile was 7% and the visual analogue score for pain was 1.9. The last radiographs revealed normal configuration of talocalcaneal, calcaneocuboid, and talonavicular joints with a little joint space narrowing in posterior part of the subtalar joint., Conclusion: Patients with isolated anterolateral calcaneal dislocations, even with multiple associated fractures, can have acceptable outcomes, if it is urgently diagnosed and properly managed., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Subtalar dislocations are uncommon injuries that involve disruption of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints. Whereas medial subtalar dislocations are usually caused by low-energy mechanisms and are reducible by closed means, lateral subtalar dislocations occur due to high-energy trauma, have associated foot injuries, and may require open reduction. Good outcomes can be expected for low-energy medial dislocations, whereas high-energy dislocations have guarded outcomes. Hindfoot deformity and chronic instability can result from nonanatomic reduction and inadequate stabilization. Arthrosis of the subtalar joint can occur despite anatomic reduction and is attributable to the cartilage damage at the time of injury., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Lateral dislocation of the subtalar joint is a relatively uncommon pathology. It has previously been described in the literature secondary to acute trauma. This form of dislocation can also be acquired and seen in severe long-standing cases of flatfoot and Charcot neuroarthropathy. This study aims to describe this "sidecar" deformity, etiologies of the deformity, and the surgical options for correction. This study was performed by reviewing medical records of a single foot and ankle surgeon for patients who met inclusion criteria and underwent surgical correction. The study period was from October 2010 to July 2017. Statistical analysis was performed using chart-review information to examine variables affecting selected outcome measures. The outcome measures evaluated were minor and major complications, as well as functional limb status. A total of 16 patients were included in the study. Etiology included 10 severe flatfoot deformities and 6 Charcot deformities. Seven patients underwent staged reconstruction, and 9 underwent a single-stage reconstruction. Seven patients (44%) had complications; all were major and required unplanned reoperation. In all 16 patients (100%), limb salvage and a functional limb resulted. We conclude that patients with a limb-threatening sidecar deformity can be successfully treated with reconstruction. This is challenging and associated with a high complication rate. Patients with a history of infection should be counseled on the possibility of requiring a staged reconstruction with multiple surgeries as well as the possibility of amputation., (Copyright © 2019 the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Progressive peritalar subluxation (PTS) is part of adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). We investigated the use of the middle facet as an indicator of PTS using standing, weight-bearing computed tomography (CT) images. We hypothesized that weight-bearing CT would be an accurate method of measuring increased subluxation ("uncoverage") and incongruence of the middle-facet among patients with AAFD., Methods: We included 30 patients with stage-II AAFD (20 female and 10 male; mean age, 57.4 years [range, 24 to 78 years]) and 30 matched controls (20 female and 10 male; mean age, 51.8 years [range, 19 to 81 years]) who underwent standing, weight-bearing CT. Two independent and blinded fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons measured the amount of subluxation (percentage of uncoverage) and the incongruence angle of the middle facet at the midpoint of its longitudinal length, using coronal-plane, weight-bearing, cone-beam CT images. Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Comparisons were performed using independent t tests or Wilcoxon tests. P values of <0.05 were considered significant., Results: Substantial to almost perfect intraobserver and interobserver reliability was observed for both measurements. We found that the middle facet demonstrated significantly increased PTS in patients with AAFD, with a mean value for joint uncoverage of 45.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.5% to 52.1%) compared with 4.8% (95% CI, 3.2% to 6.4%) in controls (p < 0.0001). A significant difference was also found for the incongruence angle, with a mean value of 17.3° (95% CI, 14.7° to 19.9°) in the AAFD group and 0.3° (95% CI, 0.1° to 0.5°) in controls (p < 0.0001). A joint incongruence angle of >8.4° was found to be diagnostic for symptomatic stage-II AAFD., Conclusions: We investigated the use of the middle facet of the subtalar joint as a marker for PTS in patients with AAFD. We confirmed that standing, weight-bearing CT images allowed accurate measurements and that significant differences were found in the percentage of joint uncoverage and the incongruence angle compared with controls., Clinical Relevance: The assessment of the amount of subluxation and incongruence of the middle facet of the subtalar joint represents an accurate diagnostic tool for symptomatic adult acquired flatfoot deformity.

Isolated subtalar dislocations (SDs) are rare injuries, representing only 1% of all foot traumas. In the current literature, only a few reports have described this acute injury as a consequence of low-middle-energy trauma during sports activities and none in professional or recreational volleyball players. Further, to the best of our knowledge, no validated standard rehabilitation programs have been described for SDs as most of them are usually treated like an ankle sprain. This report describes 3 cases of isolated, closed medial SD, which occurred during non-professional volleyball activities. All cases were successfully treated by the same conservative method: standard radiographs for diagnosis, closed reduction, subsequent CT scan to exclude associated lesions, 4-week immobilization in a below-knee cast and an early physiokinesis therapy program. Further, a review of the recent literature concerning SD was performed. The standard method applied allowed our patients to return to full sports activity at 3 months from trauma, reaching a medium AOFAS score of 96.6 at minimum follow-up of 48 months. The treated cases and the review of the literature suggest that a conservative method and early mobilization should be the first-choice treatment for closed SD, even in volleyball players. Despite the absence of a sport-specific rehabilitation program for these injuries, early physiokinesis therapy, after no more than 4-week immobilization period, allowed the improvement of our patients' hindfoot stability and their fast return to full sports activities, without any recurrence at minimum follow-up of 2 years.

This is the 29th installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at: http://www.aseronline.org/curriculum/toc.htm .

Anterior subtalar dislocation is a very rare injury. We report a case of an 81-year-old woman who had her right foot injured during a motor vehicle accident. Radiographs showed anterior subtalar dislocation with comminuted fracture of the anterior calcaneal process. The dislocation was closely reduced and protected by a short leg cast. One year postinjury, the patient had only mild pain when walking on uneven ground. There was mild tenderness over the lateral heel. Subtalar motion was mildly painful. There was no pain with ankle motion., (2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

Fracture of the posterior process of the talus with concomitant subtalar dislocation is rare; thus, the mechanism of injury, appropriate treatment, and prognosis are unclear. We report the case of a 50-year-old male with a fracture of the posterior process of the talus with concomitant subtalar dislocation that was recognized early and successfully treated operatively., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Subtalar dislocations are uncommon injuries, and anterior subtalar dislocations are extremely rare. Only 7 cases have been reported in detail in the literature, but all were associated with substantial displacement immediately apparent on radiographs. We report a case of a subtle anterior subtalar dislocation that was missed on initial plain films but was subsequently treated successfully with closed reduction.

An 18-year-old young man presented with an ankle injury, after landing on a supinated right foot following jumping while playing football. A plain X-ray revealed a medial subtalar dislocation. Despite obvious ankle deformity, the surrounding skin remained intact. Closed reduction of the subtalar joint was successfully performed under general anaesthesia in theatre. A CT of the ankle, after reduction, demonstrated a non-displaced fracture of the neck of the talus; no osteochondral defect was observed. This was successfully managed conservatively, with immobilisation of the ankle, in a non-weight bearing cast for 6 weeks. This case highlights that subtalar dislocation may follow a low-energy mechanism and that such injuries can be managed without open reduction., (2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

Purpose: Locked fracture-dislocations of the calcaneus are uncommon, and a substantial number of these injuries is not recognised or is misdiagnosed at first presentation. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome in patients with this injury., Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who sustained a uni- or bilateral calcaneal fracturedislocation. Outcome was measured using validated questionnaires, including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot score (AOFAS), Foot Function Index (FFI) and a visual analogue scale (VAS)., Results: During the 12-year study period a total of 16 patients with 17 locked fracture-dislocations were identified. This represented 6 % of all surgically treated calcaneal fractures (17 of 279). The median follow-up was 48 months. All patients were treated using an extended lateral approach and plate fixation. In one patient with a delayed presentation a primary arthrodesis was performed. The functional outcome scores were available for 14 patients with 14 fractures. The median AOFAS was 74 [interquartile range (IQR) 47–86], the median FFI was 18 (IQR 6–37) and the median VAS for overall satisfactionwas 8.2 (IQR 5.5–9.4). A secondary fusion was deemed necessary in three cases., Conclusions: This study shows that, with surgical treatment via an extended lateral approach, the outcome in patients with a locked fracture-dislocation of the calcaneus is similar to the outcome of other displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture types. However, a higher rate of secondary subtalar fusion can be expected.

We report a case of a closed subtalar dislocation without any related fractures treated with closed reduction and conservative treatment with a cast immobilization. Pure subtalar dislocation without any fractures is extremely rare and hardly reported in the literature. Such injuries are more likely to be open and associated with fractures of the surrounding foot bones such as malleoli, talus or fifth metatarsal fractures. In the examined case, closed reduction was followed by cast immobilization for 3 weeks. Six months post-injury, the patient had a full range of motion without any pain while there were no signs of residual instability or early post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Subjective clinical testing using a valid health instrument revealed an excellent outcome. We discuss in details the mechanism of such an injury and highlight the importance of prompt closed reduction and early mobilization to ensure a satisfactory long term outcome., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Subtalar dislocation is the simultaneous dislocation of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints of the foot, typically caused by falls from heights, twisting leg injuries and motor vehicle accidents. The dislocation can occur medially, lateral, anterior or posterior, but most commonly occurs from inversion injury producing a medial dislocation. These dislocations may be accompanied by fractures. Careful physical examination must be performed to assess for neurovascular compromise. Most subtalar dislocations can be treated with closed reduction under sedation. However, if the dislocation is associated with an open fracture it may require reduction in the operating room. Treatment should include postreduction plain x-ray and CT scan to evaluate for proper alignment and for fractures. This article presents a case of medial subtalar dislocation in a 23-year-old football player.

Background: Trauma to the foot and ankle from inversion injury accounts for a considerable number of Emergency Department (ED) visits. Acute subtalar dislocations are rare injuries most commonly caused by high-velocity mechanisms that can produce long-term complications if not reduced promptly. The subtleties of the dislocation on plain films can be easily overlooked in a fast-paced environment like the ED, especially if the patient presents with an atypical mechanism., Objectives: The epidemiology, pathophysiology, plain X-ray findings, management, and prognosis of medial subtalar dislocations will be reviewed., Case Report: We present a case of medial subtalar dislocation secondary to a low-velocity mechanism in an otherwise healthy 37-year-old woman., Conclusions: Although medial subtalar dislocations are an uncommon injury, they usually can be reduced easily in the ED, achieving a good long-term prognosis with appropriate follow-up. The findings on plain film X-rays can be subtle at times, and the dislocation may not always present with a classic history of high-velocity trauma., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Subtalar dislocation is a significant injury characterised by late complications, including subtalar arthritis. We describe a rare case of irreducible posterior subtalar dislocation due to incarceration of a fracture of the anterior process of the calcaneum in the subtalar joint, and discuss appropriate management.

Background: Little attention has been devoted to subtalar dislocations without an associated bone injury in the literature to date. The aim of this study was to assess the functional and subjective results of a cohort of patients with this injury., Methods: A total of ninety-seven patients with a subtalar dislocation were treated at two major university trauma centers from January 1994 to March 2007. Computed tomographic scans indicated a subtalar dislocation without associated bone injury in twenty-three of these patients. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed on all twenty-three patients at an average of 58.3 months after the completion of treatment. The postoperative clinical examination was supplemented by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, and the degree of arthritis was assessed radiographically., Results: The average score on the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale score was 82.3 points. Twenty-one patients achieved a good result, and two patients had a satisfactory result. The range of motion of the subtalar joint was an average of 41.3 degrees. No difference between the results of the medial and lateral subtalar dislocations was observed. Only six patients had minor radiographic changes., Conclusions: The intermediate-term results for a subtalar dislocation without an associated osseous injury are good, and the direction of the dislocation does not appear to make a difference with regard to clinical or radiographic outcome.

A rare case of talar neck fracture with intact ankle and subtalar joint is presented. The talar head fragment is dislocated dorsally with the fractured surface of the head facing plantarward. Only two such cases were reported in the literature. The mechanism of injury described in the yesteryears for talar neck fractures does not explain this variety of injury. A possible mechanism of injury has been described. This rare fracture has been successfully treated without any complications after a follow-up of 2 and 1/2 years., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Subtalar dislocation (SI) is a term that refers to an injury in which there is dislocation of the talonavicular and talocalcanear joint, although the tibiotalar joint is intact., Case Outline: A case of medial subtalar dislocation as a result of basketball injury, so-called "basketball foot", is presented. Closed reposition in i.v. anaesthesia was performed with the patient in supine position and a knee flexed at 90 degrees. Longitudinal manual traction in line of deformity was carried out in plantar flexion. The reposition continued with abduction and eversion simultaneously increasing dorsiflexion. It was made in the first attempt and completed instantly. Rehabilitation was initiated after 5 weeks of immobilization. One year after the injury, the functional outcome was excellent with full range of motion and the patient was symptom-free. For better interpretation of roentgenogram, bone model of subtalar dislocation was made using the cadaver bone., Conclusion: Although the treatment of such injury is usually successful, diagnosis can be difficult because it is a rare injury, and moreover, X-ray of the injury can be confusing due to superposition of bones. Radiograms revealed superposition of the calcaneus, tarsal and metatarsal bones which was radiographically visualized in the anterior-posterior projection as one osseous block inward from the talus, and on the lateral view as in an osteal block below the tibial bone. Prompt recognition of these injuries followed by proper, delicately closed reduction under anaesthesia is crucial for achieving a good functional result in case of medial subtalar dislocation.

Background: The objective of our study is to evaluate the functional and subjective results following subtalar dislocations without any associated bone injuries and to examine whether the direction of dislocation has any effect on the post-traumatic results., Methods: Over the period from February 1998 to May 2006, 56 patients with a subtalar dislocation were enrolled in the study. A subtalar dislocation without any associated bone injuries was only present in 13 patients. Follow-up examination after an average of 39.8 months was performed using the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot scale. The adapted classification developed by Altman was used to assess the post-traumatic degree of arthrosis radiologically., Results: The average AOFAS score was 81, with good results in 11 patients and satisfactory results in 2 patients. The range of motion (ROM) for the ankle-hindfoot joint was 39.2 degrees ., Conclusion: Despite the severity of the injury, the functional and subjective results of subtalar dislocations without any bone injuries are good. Generally, no early post-traumatic arthrosis occurs if there are no associated bone injuries. No differences were established between medial and lateral subtalar dislocations.

Subtalar dislocations represent uncommon injuries of the foot. Leitner [7] described the relationship between medial and lateral dislocations as 6:1. The mechanism is a trauma in plantar flexion/supination of the forefoot with a fixed hindfoot.Immediate reduction, which can usually be performed as a closed reduction is the aim of the treatment. The reduction should be performed under anesthesia in the operating room (OR) and under OR conditions in case the closed reduction shows no success. Subsequently, x-rays and CT scans should be performed in two planes in order to rule out concomitant injuries at the processus posterior tali and the talar head, as bony fragments can necessitate an operative intervention in the case of an interposition of the articulation.In terms of aftercare an immobilization of 6 weeks with a lower leg cast is suggested in the literature. In the presented case an early functional therapy with 2 weeks cast and 4 weeks with a therapy boot could achieve good clinical results.

Congenital dislocation of the subtalar joint is one of the rarest forms of presentation of a calcaneo-valgus foot. We report the second case of this type published; an 18-month female child aged was seen with calcaneo-valgus deformity of left foot since birth. She was walking over the medial malleolus and medial border of foot. Radiographs and 3D CT scan of the left foot confirmed the diagnosis of a congenital subtalar dislocation. Surgical correction was achieved through a posterolateral incision, and the reduced joint was fixed with a k-wires for 6 weeks; the foot was immobilized in below knee cast for another 6 weeks, and an ankle foot orthosis was used for another 3 years. At 3 years post-surgical follow up, the child has a plantigrade foot with no functional impairment. Follow up radiographs and 3D CT scan confirmed the maintenance of well aligned talo-calcaneal joint. This type of dislocation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of calcaneo-valgus foot; a clear understanding of the pathology, a precise operative reduction, and long-term use of orthosis results in a favourable outcome.

Introduction: Subtalar dislocation (SD) is an uncommon injury accounting for 1-2% of all dislocations. It involves simultaneous disruption of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints, without involvement of the calcaneocuboid or tibiotalar joints or talar neck fracture. We present a retrospective study of pure medial and lateral SDs treated conservatively and discuss the pathogenesis, classification, prognostics and therapeutic aspects of SD., Materials and Methods: Thirty patients, 24 men and 6 women (mean age 33 years; range 18-55) with closed isolated SD were treated conservatively and re-evaluated at 5-12 years. There were 20 medial and 10 lateral dislocations. All patients were managed with immediate closed reduction under general anaesthesia. Open dislocations and SDs associated with fractures were excluded., Results: The mean AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot score was 78.8. Seven patients (all with medial SDs) had an AOFAS score of 100; 14 patients (11 with medial and 3 with lateral SD) had a mean AOFAS score of 85; 6 patients (three with medial and three with lateral SD) had a mean AOFAS score of 65; and 3 patients (all with lateral SDs) had a mean AOFAS score of 28. The latter patients subsequently underwent subtalar fusion, with a fair outcome. The mean AOFAS scores of patients with lateral and medial SD were not significantly different (P = 0.05)., Conclusion: Various factors adversely affect outcome, including type of dislocation (lateral/medial, open/closed), severity of the injury, associated fractures, length of immobilization. Management of closed isolated SD is by immediate conservative treatment in order to avoid or reduce the incidence of early soft-tissue and vascular complications and poor long-term outcomes due to post-traumatic arthritis, talus necrosis and subtalar joint stiffness. However, complications may still arise despite correct treatment.

Subtalar dislocation is considered a severe injury but occurs rarely and studies generally refer to relatively small patient collectives. We investigated the functional outcome in 22 cases to determine the long-term prognosis. Since associated foot injury is common, we compared the outcome for 12 cases of isolated subtalar luxation with 10 cases of collateral fractures of the adjacent bones of the hind foot and Talus. 19 cases of complex, partially open injuries after high energy trauma have got excluded because of the apparently poor long-term results. The Kitaoka-hind-foot-Score (AOFAS) after mean follow up of 8.3 years indicated a significantly better outcome for isolated luxation. Nearly 50 % of isolated luxations had a excellent outcome (73 %, mean score 89), luxations with associated fractures had mainly good and fair results (73 %, mean score 74). Analysis of the gait pattern by dynamic plantar pressure measurement demonstrated lower pressures in the isolated luxation group and higher pressures in the group with associated fractures in the lateral region of the forefoot with shorter phases of weight bearing.

Subtalar dislocation is a rare and severe injury, caused by high-energy trauma such as fall from a height or traffic accident. Infection and avascular necrosis are not rare sequelae of open subtalar dislocation, and the outcome may be poor. External fixation allows complete wound care, and moderate distraction of the ankle joint should unload the talus, which may reduce the risk of avascular necrosis. We treated 11 open subtalar dislocations by distractional external fixation. The series involved nine males and two females, of average age 30.39 years. In nine cases the injury was caused by falling from a height, and in two by a traffic accident. The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 28 months. The final functional results were good, with no infection and one case of avascular necrosis of the talus. Pain after a longer period of walking or standing was experienced by eight patients, and movement of the subtalar joint was limited in nine patients. Immediate distractional external fixation of open subtalar dislocation may prevent infection and avascular necrosis of the talus.

Subtalar dislocations are rare injuries. They may cause serious complications in the long-term. A 27-year-old professional soldier developed medial subtalar dislocation of the right foot due to fall from height and was treated with closed reduction under general anesthesia and below-knee cast fixation for six weeks. At the end of a nine-year follow-up, he began complaining of occasional pain around his ankle. There was minimal loss in subtalar movements. He had no stiffness or instability. The ankle-hindfoot score was 90 according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical rating system. It should be recalled that, following treatment of subtalar dislocations, some degree of loss may occur in subtalar movements.

Anterior subtalar dislocations are extremely rare. To our knowledge, six cases have been reported in detail in the literature, but for only two of these was an anteroposterior view radiograph used to confirm the diagnosis. We report a case of anterior subtalar dislocation in which the posterior tibialis tendon was incarcerated in the talonavicular joint and that required an open reduction. We discuss the diagnosis, mechanism, and treatment.

Subtalar dislocation is a rare injury, constituting approximately 1% of acute dislocations, and often is the result of high-energy trauma, particularly falls from heights. We present a case of a 33-year-old man who sustained a Gustilo type IIIB open subtalar dislocation when he fell 4 m from a scaffold. After irrigation and debridement, a Mitkovic distractional external fixator was applied medially for 6 weeks while the wound healed by secondary intention. Physical therapy was initiated along with partial to full weight bearing during the next 3 months. The patient returned to work at 8 months postinjury. At 24 months, the patient had a normal gait with pain only during prolonged periods of standing or walking. X-rays and MRI were normal with no signs of avascular necrosis or posttraumatic arthritis. Ankle joint range of motion was dorsiflexion 5 degrees and plantar flexion 45 degrees with moderately limited subtalar joint motion. The distractional external fixator allowed for complete wound care and unburdening of the talus, which perhaps reduced the possibility of avascular necrosis., (Copyright 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins)

We present a case of ipsilateral dislocation of the knee, ankle and midfoot. No previous report of this combination of injuries was found in a review of the literature. In spite of the type of injury, no neurovascular compromise or complications turned up. Closed reduction of the dislocations was possible and performed under general anaesthesia. At the last examination, 4 years after injury, the alignment of the joints was preserved, and the range of motion of the three joints resembled that of the opposite side. Without fractures, the closed reduction and temporary immobilisation of all the affected joints produced a remarkably good result.

We report a lateral subtalar dislocation in a female 19-month-old after a minor fall. Review of the literature reveals no prior report of this injury in a patient of this age. This case illustrates the importance of thoroughly examining the pediatric patient. When fracture is not diagnosed and a child refuses to use the affected extremity, examination to rule out occult fracture or dislocation must be included.

In an emergency situation, the clinical picture of ankle and subtalar dislocation may be similar. This may lead to the use of the improper technique of reduction, especially in a subtalar dislocation, resulting in the failure of reduction and further damage to the articular surfaces. A case of medial subtalar dislocation is presented, which was managed as an ankle dislocation and manipulated inappropriately, leading to a failure of reduction. The clinical signs of ankle and subtalar dislocation, including points of differentiation between the two are discussed, and the correct method of reduction of subtalar dislocation is described.

Unlabelled: The objective of this study was to determine the mechanisms of injury and pattern of associated foot and ankle injuries and systemic injuries associated with subtalar dislocations, and, correlate these data with the radiographic and clinical/functional outcome of patients after subtalar dislocation., Results: Twenty-five patients with a subtalar dislocation were identified over a seven year period. The mean patient age was 38 years. Males (n=19) comprised 76% of patients, with a mean age of 36 years. High energy mechanisms (motor vehicle accidents, falls) accounted for 68% of subtalar dislocations. Although high energy mechanisms showed a strong trend toward open subtalar dislocations, the association was not statistically significant (p=0.0573, Fisher's exact test). Closed dislocations predominated (75%). Left and right-sided dislocations were nearly equally distributed, even among motor vehicle accidents. Medial dislocations predominated (65%): these were not influenced by mechanism of injury and did not result in statistically lower AOFAS ankle/hindfoot scores. Subtalar dislocation was irreducible (requiring open reduction) in 32%, with higher energy mechanisms of injury being statistically associated with an irreducible subtalar dislocation (p=0.0261, Fisher's exact test). Block to reduction was evenly distributed among soft tissue elements (posterior tibial tendon, flexor hallucis longus tendon, capsule, extensor retinaculum) and osseous elements. Eighty-eight percent of patients incurred concomitant injuries to the foot and ankle (95% of which were closed injuries), namely, the ankle and talus. Systemic injuries occurred in 88% of patients. At a mean follow-up of five years, the mean AOFAS score of the subtalar dislocation side was significantly lower (mean=71 vs. 93, p=0.0007, unpaired Student's t-test). No statistical relation was found between the number of associated extremity injuries and AOFAS score (Spearman correlation coefficient, r=(-)0.236, p=0.331). Radiographic follow-up demonstrated 89% of ankles with radiographic changes (31% symptomatic); however, the majority of these patients (61%) had an associated ankle injury. The subtalar joint demonstrated radiographic changes in 89% of patients, with 63% being symptomatic; 75% of patients with subtalar joint changes incurred a fracture about the subtalar joint at the time of dislocation. Four patients went on to subtalar fusion at an average of 8.8 months post-dislocation. The midfoot showed radiographic changes in 72% of patients, with only 15% of these patients being symptomatic. All patients with midfoot symptoms were well controlled by nonsurgical measures.

Atraumatic, fixed subluxation of the subtalar joint in the pediatric population has not been described. This report describes such a case in a skeletally immature boy.

Fixed bilateral congenital subtalar dislocations were identified in a 2.5-year-old boy. The patient had been treated previously with a short-leg cast on each foot for 2 months. On presentation the patient ambulated on the medial malleoli and medial aspects of his feet. The patient's activity was limited by pain. At 2.5 years of age, open reduction and pinning of bilateral subtalar joints with soft tissue release and lengthening of the achilles, peroneal, and extensor tendons was done. A thick fibrous band connected the talus and calcaneus laterally. Postoperative treatment included casting for 12 weeks and wearing rigid ankle-foot orthoses which he used for 8 years. There was no recurrence at 10-year followup. The patient has been brace-free for 2 years and is able to ambulate and play school sports without pain. The patient's subtalar range of motion is normal. Radiographic alignment is near normal without degenerative changes. To the authors' knowledge, there has been no previous report of this condition in the literature.

Subtalar joint dislocation (STJD) is an uncommon injury, but carries with it a potential for significant functional disability. We hypothesized that a significant number of injuries associated with subtalar joint dislocation may be unrecognized by plain radiographic examination. Therefore, we reviewed the records of all STJDs over a three-year period, identifying nine cases. The majority of injuries occurred in men (78%) with a mean age of 29 years. Overall, the mean age at injury was 32 years. The right lower extremity was most frequently injured (87.5%). Plain films initially diagnosed a STJ dislocation in all patients. A CT scan was performed in all cases. In 100% of patients, CT identified additional injuries missed on initial plain radiographs. In 44% of patient, new information gathered by CT dictated a change in treatment. Based on our findings, we conclude that CT is an invaluable tool to assess for associated injuries in STJ dislocation, and should be performed in all cases of STJ dislocation.

A dog and a cat suffered talocalcaneal luxation with plantar displacement of the head of the talus. Each case was associated with luxation of the talocentral joint and subluxation of the calcaneoquartal joint. The collateral ligaments were not significantly disrupted and this made it technically difficult to reduce the luxations. However, after open reduction, the luxations were inherently stable and a positional screw provided long-term stability. Both animals returned to their previous level of activity with no detectable signs of lameness.

Background: When flatfoot is acquired during adulthood, the shape of the foot changes. In addition to a decreased arch, there may be valgus angulation of the hindfoot or abduction of the forefoot, or both. However, there is little objective information to provide a better understanding of the anatomical or morphological changes that occur in acquired adult flatfoot. We wondered if such an understanding of the three-dimensional anatomy might shed light on the pathway by which these changes occur. We designed this study to measure the three-dimensional position of the talocalcaneal joint in patients who have painful flatfoot., Methods: Computed tomography scans of the feet of eight patients who had symptomatic flatfoot were used to construct a model of the talocalcaneal articulation. The scans were performed on a custom loading frame developed to simulate weight-bearing with the foot in a neutral position while a seventy-five-newton axial compressive load was applied. The digital data from the scans were used to make three-dimensional computer models of the articular surfaces of the talus and calcaneus of each foot. These models then were used to calculate the percentage of the articular surface that was in contact and, conversely, the percentage that was subluxated. Two surfaces were modeled for each bone; the posterior facet formed one surface, and the anterior and middle facets were combined to form the second surface. The data were compared, with use of Mann-Whitney nonparametric U analysis, with those derived from scans of the feet of four patients without a deformity of the hindfoot who served as controls., Results: A mean (and standard deviation) of 68+/-9 percent of the posterior facet of the calcaneus was in contact with the talus in the patients who had flatfoot compared with 92+/-2 percent in the controls, and a mean of 51+/-23 percent of the anterior and middle facets of the calcaneus was in contact with the talus in the patients who had flatfoot compared with 95+/-6 percent in the controls. These differences were significant (p = 0.0066 for both)., Conclusions: Marked subluxation of the talocalcaneal joint occurs in some patients who have symptomatic planoabductovalgus deformity.

We report a medial subtalar dislocation without fracture in an eighteen year old male injured during basketball game. He was successfully treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. At one year follow-up he was symptomless.

Anterior subtalar dislocations are extremely rare. To our knowledge, only four cases have been reported in detail in the literature. A diagnosis of anterior subtalar dislocation should be confirmed by an anteroposterior view radiograph because lateral subtalar dislocation always includes some anterior displacement of the mid-foot. We report a case of anterior subtalar dislocation confirmed by both lateral and anteroposterior view radiographs and discuss its pathomechanism, diagnosis, and treatment.

Subtalar joint dislocations, although not common, have been increasing in frequency over the last decade. Generally, subtalar joint dislocation can be treated successfully with closed reduction and a short period of cast immobilization. The majority of patients will suffer minimal disability, with subtalar joint stiffness as the primary complaint. This report includes four cases of suspected joint dislocation or subluxation with occult intra-articular fractures identified only by CT scan following essentially normal radiographs. Evidence seems to indicate that CT scanning in patients with suspected subtalar joint subluxation or dislocation and normal radiographs is justified.

Fifteen adolescents and adults were assessed an average of eighteen years after a type-III open subtalar dislocation. There were ten lateral and five medial dislocations. Associated injuries included ten injuries of the tibial nerve, seven of which were complicated by causalgia; five ruptures of the posterior tibial tendon; five lacerations of the posterior tibial artery; twelve articular fractures involving the subtalar joint; three articular fractures of the talonavicular joint; three fractures of the talar dome; and three malleolar fractures. Osteonecrosis of the body of the talus was found in five of the fifteen patients. It was treated with a triple arthrodesis in all five patients, one of whom had a subsequent conversion to a pantalar arthrodesis. Subtalar arthrodesis was done, because of post-traumatic osteoarthrosis, in two other patients. On functional assessment at the long-term follow-up examination, all patients reported some pain in the ankle, nine had difficulty climbing stairs, fourteen had difficulty walking on uneven surfaces, and eleven wore modified shoes. The patients who had had a tarsal arthrodesis returned to their pre-injury occupation or to a less strenuous job. Four patients who had persistent causalgia did not return to work. We concluded that open subtalar dislocation is a distinctly severe injury and that only fair functional and poor anatomical results can be expected in most patients.