Lateral subtalar dislocation of the foot with calcaneal fracture A case report

Subtalar dislocation refers to dislocation of distal articulations of talus at talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints. These dislocations are rare. Subtalar dislocations can occur in any direction. Medial dislocations are more common comprise up to 85. Lateral dislocations are rare and comprise up to 15. The direction of subtalar dislocation has important effects with respect to both management and outcome. Lateral dislocations are associated with higher-energy mechanisms and a worse longterm prognosis compared to medial subtalar dislocations. Closed reduction and immobilization remains the treatment of choice. The tibialis posterior tendon, talar head impaction, and entrapment of the joint capsule may cause difficulty in closed reduction of lateral dislocations which necessitates open reduction of lateral dislocations. This case report presents an unsuccessful closed reduction of a lateral subtalar dislocation with associated calcaneal fracture which required an open reduction technique using wire stabilization.