[Subtalar dislocation of the foot]

Based on a retrospective analysis, the authors present their experience with treatment of subtalar dislocation of the foot.

Between 1999 and 2011 six patients, all of them men, with the average age of 31 years were treated for subtalar fractures. Five patients were diagnosed with medial dislocation and one with lateral dislocation. In one patient with medial subtalar dislocation it was an open injury. The clinical and radiographic results of the patients followed up for 1 to 12 years (average, 7.8 years) were retrospectively evaluated.

The achieved average score, based on the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scale, was 91.3 points (± 9.77; minimum, 73; maximum, 100). Excellent results were recorded in four patients, good in one and satisfactory in the patient with lateral dislocation. Radiographic signs of subtalar joint osteoarthritis were found in one patient. No neurological or circulation dis - orders, skin necrosis, signs of reflex sympathetic dystrophy, aseptic bone necrosis of the talus, infection or joint instability were recorded.

A subtalar dislocation of the foot involves simultaneous dislocation of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints. It is a rare injury accounting for about 1 to 2% of all traumatic dislocations. It may occur as medial, lateral, anterior or posterior subtalar dislocation. The results of treatment depend on several factors, such as the type of dislocation (medial and open dislocations are at higher risk), associated injuries, or damage to deep skin layers, and also on an exact diagnosis, early and accurate reduction and sufficiently long foot immobilisation.