Subtalar Dislocations

Question 1

Which are more common, lateral or medial subtalar dislocations?

Answer 1

Medial (65-80%)
Lateral are more likely to be open
25% overall are open

Question 2

Lateral radiographs of subtalar dislocations have what relationship btw the talar head and navicular?

Answer 2

Lateral dislocation- talar head is inferior to navicular

Medial dislocation- talar head is superior to navicular

Question 3

What are blockades to reduction of medial subtalar dislocations?

Answer 3

1) peroneal tendons
2) extensor digitorum brevis (MC)
3) talonavicular joint capsule
4) Deep peroneal NV bundle

Question 4

What are blockades to reduction of lateral subtalar dislocations?

Answer 4

1) posterior tibialis tendon (MC)
2) flexor hallucis longus
3) flexor digitorum longus.

reduction maneuver involves initial traction and foot hyperpronation, followed by supination for lateral dislocations

Question 5

Long term f/u of subtalar dislocations show what complication?

Answer 5

Post-traumatic arthritis

Mostly in the in the subtalar joint (83%); 69% of these are symptomatic