A Case Report of Lateral Subtalar Dislocation: Emergency Medicine Assessment, Management and Disposition

Subtalar dislocations of the talonavicular and talocalcaneal joints are rare, accounting for approximately one percent of all dislocations.1 These dislocations are typically the result of a high energy mechanism and present a challenge during reduction attempts. We present the case of a male in his early 20's who presented to the emergency department after a motorcycle accident with right foot and ankle pain and obvious deformity. Emergent X-ray and immediate attempt at reduction are of utmost importance with these dislocations. After multiple failed attempts at reduction in the ED, this patient was taken to the operating room for an open reduction with podiatry. This case report reviews the pathophysiology and management of this rare injury including nerve blocks and reduction techniques.

Subtalar dislocation, trauma, podiatry, joint reduction, nerve blocks, local anesthesia.