Rare case of medial subtalar dislocation from a low-velocity mechanism

Trauma to the foot and ankle from inversion injury accounts for a considerable number of Emergency Department (ED) visits. Acute subtalar dislocations are rare injuries most commonly caused by high-velocity mechanisms that can produce long-term complications if not reduced promptly. The subtleties of the dislocation on plain films can be easily overlooked in a fast-paced environment like the ED, especially if the patient presents with an atypical mechanism.

The epidemiology, pathophysiology, plain X-ray findings, management, and prognosis of medial subtalar dislocations will be reviewed.

We present a case of medial subtalar dislocation secondary to a low-velocity mechanism in an otherwise healthy 37-year-old woman.

Although medial subtalar dislocations are an uncommon injury, they usually can be reduced easily in the ED, achieving a good long-term prognosis with appropriate follow-up. The findings on plain film X-rays can be subtle at times, and the dislocation may not always present with a classic history of high-velocity trauma.