Subtalar Joint Arthritis

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Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Subtalar Joint

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.

Function and Biomechanics of Subtalar joint[edit | edit source]

The Subtalar joint is necessary for:

  • The function of the foot and the ankle and gait.[2]
  • Transmission of rotations from the leg and the ankle to the foot.[3]
  • Shock absorption during the early stance phase.[3]

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].

Risk factors[edit | edit source]

Subtalar Joint Dislocation[7].

Subtalar joint instability

Malalignment of the joint

Rheumatoid arthritis

Fracture of calcaneus

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Ficke J, Byerly DW. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Foot. InStatPearls [Internet] 2021 Aug 11. StatPearls Publishing. Accessed 7 June 2022.
  2. Jastifer JR, Gustafson PA. The subtalar joint: biomechanics and functional representations in the literature. The foot. 2014 Dec 1;24(4):203-9. Accessed 15 June 2022.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Stagni R, Leardini A, O'Connor JJ, Giannini S. Role of passive structures in the mobility and stability of the human subtalar joint: a literature review. Foot & ankle international. 2003 May;24(5):402-9. Accessed 15 June 2022.
  4. Krähenbühl N, Horn-Lang T, Hintermann B, Knupp M. The subtalar joint: a complex mechanism. EFORT open reviews. 2017 Jul 6;2(7):309-16. Accessed 15 June 2022.
  5. Brockett CL, Chapman GJ. Biomechanics of the ankle. Orthopaedics and trauma. 2016 Jun 1;30(3):232-8. Accessed 15 June 2022.
  6. Peña Fernández M, Hoxha D, Chan O, Mordecai S, Blunn GW, Tozzi G, Goldberg A. Centre of rotation of the human subtalar joint using weight-bearing clinical computed tomography. Scientific reports. 2020 Jan 23;10(1):1-4. Accessed 15 June 2022.
  7. Flippin M, Fallat LM. Open talar neck fracture with medial subtalar joint dislocation: a case report. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2019 Mar 1;58(2):392-7. Accessed 28, June 2022.