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The subtalar joint also named the talocalcaneal joint, is articulating between two tarsal bones the talus and calcaneus bones. There are three facets on each of the talus and calcaneus. The posterior talocalcaneal articulation represents the largest component of the subtalar joint.[1]The malalignment of the subtalar joint can lead to primary osteoarthritis of the ankle joint in the long run. See more here Subtalar joint
The Subtalar joint movements are inversion-eversion[4] and supination-pronation (three-dimensional motions)[5]. Pronation combines dorsiflexion, abduction, and eversion, and supination combines plantarflexion, adduction, and inversion[6].
Main ligaments of Subtalar Joint
Anterior talocalcaneal ligament
Posterior talocalcaneal ligament
Lateral talocalcaneal ligament
Medial talocalcaneal ligament
Nonweight bearing Subtalar Joint Motion
In non-weight bearing positions, the movement is described as the motion of the distal segment which is the calcaneus. The calcaneus is moving on the relatively stationary talus and the lower leg. Supination is a combination of adduction, inversion and plantar flexion. Pronation is a combination of abduction, eversion, and dorsiflexion.
The most easily observed coupled motions of the calcaneus are inversion and eversion. During inversion, there is varus movement of the calcaneus and during eversion, there is the valgus movement of the calcaneus.
Weight-bearing Subtalar Motion
The movement is the same as in the non-weight bearing position but the description of which segment is moving is different. The motion of the proximal segment to the distal segment is described.
Diseases such as arthritis can influence the Ankle range of motion[11], so it is important to do Subtalar ROM exercises (inversion-eversion and supination-pronation).
Physiotherapy Management
Maitland Mobilisation of Subtalar Joint
Subtalar joint distraction
Subtalar joint medial glide & lateral glide
Passive and Active ROM exercises
Active and Passive Supination and Pronation exercises along with inversion and eversion.
