Lateral Subtalar Dislocation of the Foot: A case report

Abstract

Subtalar dislocation is the simultaneous dislocation of the distal articulations of the talus at both the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints. It can occur in any direction and always produce significant deformity. Most common is the medial dislocation. Less common presentations are lateral, anterior and posterior dislocations. These dislocations are associated with osteochondral fractures. Closed reduction and immobilization remains the mainstay of treatment. Radiographs and computed tomography scan confirms the post reduction alignment stability of subtalar joints and intra-articular fracture fragments. We report a case of lateral subtalar dislocation without osteochondral fracture fragments in a 30-yearold man.

Lateral Subtalar Dislocation of the Foot: A case report

“…4,6 Figures 3A and 3B Intraoperative photographs showing correction of deformity after the reduction of dislocation.…”

“…In medial subtalar dislocation, the head of the talus is found laterally and the rest of the foot is dislocated medially. 4,6 However, in a lateral subtalar dislocation, the talus can remain fixed while the remaining structures of the foot are dislocated laterally along the talus. It is important to check the stability and congruity of the talus in the ankle mortise with any subtalar dislocation.…”

“…Medial dislocation has been referred to as an "acquired clubfoot", while the lateral injury is described as an "acquired flatfoot". 6,7 Lateral dislocations are particularly prone to poor results, due to the frequency of open injuries and associated fractures 4 .…”