Post-traumatic sinus tarsi syndrome. An anatomical and radiological study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic medicine
• Sports medicine
• Foot and ankle surgery

Background:

• Sinus tarsi syndrome (STS) is a complex source of lateral hindfoot pain.
• Understanding the underlying pathology of STS is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the arthrographic and histological findings in four cases of sinus tarsi syndrome.
• To elucidate the pathological mechanisms contributing to synovial recess obliteration in STS.

Main Methods:

• Arthrography of the posterior subtalar joint was performed on four patients diagnosed with STS.
• Histological examination of the soft tissue within the sinus tarsi was conducted.
• Correlating imaging findings with tissue pathology.

Main Results:

• Arthrography demonstrated obliteration of synovial recesses in the posterior subtalar joint.
• Histological analysis revealed synovial hyperplasia and cicatricial remodeling of ligamentous tissue.
• These findings provide a direct link between soft tissue changes and arthrographic observations.

Conclusions:

• Synovial hyperplasia and ligamentous cicatricial remodeling are key pathological features of sinus tarsi syndrome.
• These changes explain the observed obliteration of synovial recesses on arthrography.
• This study enhances the understanding of STS pathophysiology, aiding in diagnosis and treatment strategies.