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Subtalar joint instability

  • Review Article
  • Published:
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Subtalar joint instability may frequently be overlooked and erroneously be integrated under the diagnosis of ankle joint instability. It was the scope of this review to characterize the present state-of-art with regard to the adequate diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

While the clinical picture is mostly inconclusive for subtalar joint instability, a high degree of suspicion for this diagnosis is needed to employ weight-bearing x-rays, standardized stress radiography, CT scanning and MRI to further elucidate the etiopathology

Results

Geometrical reasons as hindfoot deformities, isolated or combined injuries or instabilities in conjunction with the ankle ligament complex do exist which should be differentiated in detail and classified to indicate the adequate treatment. Treatment of acute lesions is simple and effective. A certain percentage of the patients with chronic subtalar instability is incorrectly labeled with the diagnosis of a sinus tarsi syndrome.

Conclusion

Subtalar joint arthroscopy for reconfirmation of the correct diagnosis conjoined with restoration of physiological hindfoot alignment and a preferably anatomical ligamentous reconstruction provide the basis for a good functional recovery.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Thomas Wodetzki, Rostock for the graphical work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Abt. für Unfall-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18055, Rostock, Germany

    Thomas Mittlmeier & Alice Wichelhaus

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  1. Thomas Mittlmeier
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  2. Alice Wichelhaus
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Correspondence to Thomas Mittlmeier.

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Thomas Mittlmeier and Alice Wichelhaus declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Th. Mittlmeier and A. Wichelhaus declare that this a review article that does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by the authors.

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Mittlmeier, T., Wichelhaus, A. Subtalar joint instability. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 41, 623–629 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-015-0588-7

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