Lateral subtalar dislocation: review of the literature and case presentation

Lateral subtalar joint dislocations are rare injuries which are usually the result of a violent eversional force, driving the talar head medially and displacing the rest of the foot laterally. Associated fractures and obstruction to closed reduction are more common with lateral than medial dislocations. Avascular necrosis of the talus and navicular as well as subtalar instability may result from these injuries. Severe post-traumatic subtalar arthritis may warrant triple arthrodesis. Prompt closed reduction of lateral subtalar dislocation is recommended to avoid soft-tissue or neurovascular compromise. A short period of immobilization limits loss of subtalar range of motion. Open reduction may be required, particularly with entrapment of the posterior tibial tendon or obstructing fracture fragments. A case of lateral subtalar joint dislocation is presented.