Assessment of Subtalar Joint Neutral

Question 1

Patient Position

Answer 1

Prone with foot off end of the table.
Non-test leg is positioned with the hip flexed, abducted, and externally rotated and the knee flexed (figure 4 position).

Question 2

Examiner Position

Answer 2

At the patient’s feet
Thumb and index finger are at the anterior talocrural joint, palpating the medial and lateral aspects of the talar head.
Thumb and index finger of the distal hand grasp the heads of the 4th and 5th MTs, gently applying a dorsiflexion pressure until soft tissue resistance is noted.

Question 3

Step 1

Answer 3

Passively supinate and pronate the foot using the distal hand while palpating the talar position with the proximal hand.

Question 4

Step 2

Answer 4

Neutral position is found when talus is symmetrically aligned between the proximal thumb and forefinger.

Question 5

Goniometric Measurement

Answer 5

Provides an objective assessment of calcaneal position with the STJ in neutral

Question 6

Step 1 Goniometric Measurement

Answer 6

Align the fulcrum over the proximal calcaneus

Question 7

Step 2 Goniometric Measurement

Answer 7

Position the proximal stationary arm bisecting the lower leg

Question 8

Step 3 Goniometric Measurement

Answer 8

Position the distal movement arm bisecting the calcaneus

Question 9

Modification

Answer 9

STJN can be assessed with patient standing or sitting, examiner kneeling in front of patient.
Also with patient in the supine position.