Abstract
Objective: To evaluate and quantify, through physical examination, loss of ankle mobility in patients undergoing subtalar fusion, in comparison to the contralateral side. Methods: A total of 12 patients who underwent unilateral isolated subtalar arthrodesis for different conditions were selected. The assessment was performed with the aid of a goniometer, measurements of the bilateral range of motion of the tibiotarsal joint, in closed chain weight-bearing and open chain non-weight-bearing. The same foot and ankle surgeon performed all measurements. Results: The operated side achieved significantly lower range of motion values in the closed chain weight-bearing test compared to the contralateral side, with a mean difference of 5.4° (p=0.029) for dorsiflexion and 7.6° (p=0.006) for plantar flexion. No statistically significant difference was found in the open chain test. Conclusion: Isolated subtalar joint arthrodesis leads to reduced range of motion in the ipsilateral ankle. Level of Evidence III; Therapeutic Study; Comparative Retrospective Study.
Highlights
Subtalar joint arthrodesis (SJA) is a procedure used by foot and ankle surgeons to treat degenerative disorders of this joint[1], aiming at possible corrections of deformities and at relieving chronic pain
To measure the range of motion of weight-bearing closed chain dorsiflexion (MDF), the patient was positioned standing with one foot on the floor and the foot to be examined on a bench about 30cm high, keeping the knee and hip flexed (Figure 2)
The result revealed that in our sample, the loss of ankle range of motion (ROM) was probably due to fusion of the subtalar joint, not having any statistical significance when we compared loss of ankle movement with the variants sex, operated side, nature of the condition that led to arthrodesis, presence of residual pain and alteration of the mechanical axis
Summary
Subtalar joint arthrodesis (SJA) is a procedure used by foot and ankle surgeons to treat degenerative disorders of this joint[1], aiming at possible corrections of deformities and at relieving chronic pain This surgical approach is usually the treatment of choice for primary and secondary arthrosis, and in some cases is used to treat posterior tibial tendon insufficiency and tarsal coalitions (Figure 1). Patients undergoing isolated SJA benefit from improved quality of life and pain relief[3], and these benefits are, in most cases, superior to the procedural limitations This arthrodesis restricts eversion and inversion movements by 84% and 88%, respectively[4], reduces to some degree the movement of the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints, and produced an average decrease of 46% in the excursion of the posterior tibial tendon during active hindfoot inversion[5]. Patients commonly have difficulty accommodating their feet on uneven ground, and may progress with some degree of arthrosis in adjacent joints
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
