The normal range of subtalar inversion and eversion in young males as measured by three different techniques

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Subtalar joint motion is crucial for foot function and injury prevention.
• Accurate measurement of subtalar inversion and eversion is essential for clinical assessment and research.
• Variability in measurement techniques can affect the reliability of subtalar joint motion data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare three different goniometric methods for measuring subtalar joint inversion and eversion in young adult males.
• To determine the effect of ankle dorsiflexion on subtalar joint motion measurements.
• To identify the most reliable and least subjective method for assessing subtalar joint range of motion.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 272 healthy males aged 18-20 years.
• Goniometric measurements of subtalar inversion and eversion were performed using three distinct techniques.
• Measurements were taken with the ankle in neutral and dorsiflexed positions.

Main Results:

• Placing the ankle in dorsiflexion decreased mean subtalar inversion from 32 to 22 degrees.
• Dorsiflexion had minimal impact on subtalar eversion measurements.
• The neutral subtalar joint position averaged 3 degrees of varus relative to the tibial midpoint.

Conclusions:

• Ankle dorsiflexion significantly influences subtalar inversion measurements.
• The measurement technique recommended by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' Committee for the Study of Joint Motion demonstrated fewer subjective variables.
• This standardized method is recommended for consistent and comparable assessments of subtalar joint motion.