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Lateral subtalar joint dislocation: a case with calcaneal fracture.
David B Randall1, Anthony Jon Ferretti
1Podiatric Surgical Residency Program, Millcreek Community Hospital, Erie, PA, USA.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
|January 20, 2004
Summary
Lateral subtalar joint dislocation is rare, often accompanied by subtle calcaneal fractures missed on X-rays. Computed tomography is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Subtalar joint dislocation is an uncommon injury, with lateral variants being less frequent than medial.
- Associated fractures significantly impact treatment and prognosis but are frequently overlooked on initial radiographic evaluation.
Observation:
- This review covers the anatomy, pathomechanics, treatment, prognosis, and complications of subtalar joint dislocations.
- A case study highlights a lateral subtalar joint dislocation with an occult calcaneal fracture.
Findings:
- Plain film radiography often fails to detect associated calcaneal fractures in subtalar joint dislocations.
- Computed tomography (CT) provides superior delineation of these complex injuries, revealing fractures not apparent on conventional radiographs.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of subtalar joint dislocations and associated fractures is critical for optimal patient outcomes.
- CT imaging should be considered in cases of suspected subtalar joint dislocation, especially when plain films are inconclusive, to identify occult fractures and guide surgical management.