The subtalar joint is located just below the ankle joint between the talus bone and the calcaneus (heel) bone. The main job of the subtalar joint is to allow for side-to-side movement of the foot and ankle. This movement aids in walking, especially on uneven surfaces.
What is subtalar joint motion?
Subtalar joint motion (closed chain) The figure illustrates closed chain (talar and calcaneal) movement in the right subtalar joint. In a closed chain activity like walking, subtalar motion links foot motions with motions at other lower extremity joints. PRONATION SUPINATION CALCANEUS everts inverts TALUS* plantar flexes adducts
How does the position of the ankle affect subtalar movement?
Furthermore, the position of the ankle joint also affects subtalar movement, for example, dorsal extension of the ankle joint decreases subtalar movement. Several tendons cross the subtalar joint to balance the ankle in the stance phase and during gait.
What muscles are involved in supination in the subtalar joint?
[3] [1] . Supination in the subtalar joint is primarily produced by tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior, with assistance from extensor hallucis longus, flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus.
What ankle movements are possible at the subtalar joint?
The movements that occur at the ankle joint are plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion.
How much movement comes from the subtalar joint?
The range of motion at the subtalar joint varies across sources; the RoM in inversion ranges from 25° to 30°, while in eversion it ranges from 5° to 10°. Inversion is the movement in which the sole of the foot rotates towards the midline, while the lateral border of the foot is directed inferiorly.
What motion occurs at the subtalar joint quizlet?
In closed chain subtalar pronation, movements of the calcaneus produces movements of the talus and the tibia/fibula. Thus, calcaneal eversion that occurs during closed chain subtalar pronation produces talar adduction (medial rotation) and plantar flexion as well as tibial/fibular internal (medial) rotation.
What is subtalar joint pronation?
Subtalar pronation influences the alignment of the two axes of the midtarsal joint, making them more parallel. Parallel alignment of the midtarsal axes permits the foot to be flexible and to adapt to different surfaces.
How do you check subtalar motion?
1:032:46Subtalar Joint | Passive Range of Motion - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition for the talocrural joint fixate this position from ventrally with an ankle fork in betweenMorePosition for the talocrural joint fixate this position from ventrally with an ankle fork in between your thumb and index finger then grab onto the calcaneus from plantar.
What kind of joint is subtalar joint?
synovial jointThe subtalar (ST) joint is an articulation between two of the tarsal bones in the foot, the talus and calcaneus. The joint is classed structurally as a synovial joint, and functionally as a plane synovial joint.
What motions occur at the subtalar joint group of answer choices?
Retrocalcaneal bursitis can often be mistaken for Achilles tendinitis. Patients with either high arches or excessive pronation can experience plantar fasciitis. What motions occur at the subtalar joint? Pronation is a multiplanar motion involving dorsiflexion, adduction, and inversion.
What motions make up pronation?
Pronation combines the movements of eversion, abduction, and dorsiflexion of the foot and ankle. As the foot accepts weight, the foot moves into pronation, achieving maximum pronation in midstance and the midtarsal joint unlocks.
What motions make up supination?
While with plantarflexion, the talus rolls posteriorly and glides anteriorly. Subtalar Joint – Secondary to the anatomy of the subtalar joint, the coupled motion of dorsiflexion, abduction and eversion produces pronation, whereas the coupled motion of plantarflexion, adduction and inversion produces supination.
Is the subtalar joint a gliding joint?
The centre of rotation of the subtalar joint is thought to be in the region of the middle facet. It is considered a plane synovial joint, also commonly referred to as a gliding joint. It acts as a hinge connecting the talus and calcaneus.
What is pronation and supination?
Both terms involve your gait and how your weight is distributed as you walk or run. Supination means that when you walk, your weight tends to be more on the outside of your foot. Pronation means that when you walk, your weight tends to be more on the inside of your foot.
Where does supination and pronation occur?
Pronation and supination are movements that occur at the proximal radioulnar joint. The head of the radius is discoid and fits with the radial neck within the circular annular ligament, that attaches the proximal radius to the ulna.
How many degrees of freedom does Talocrural joint have?
The talocrural joint possesses 1 degree of freedom, permitting dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the ankle. This sagittal plane motion is essential to the forward progression of movement while walking.
Is the subtalar joint an intermediate joint?
True Blue. Response: I think of ankle, subtalar, talo-navicular and calcaneo-cuboid joints as intermediate joints (CPT 20605). Joints distal to those I consider to be small joints.
How is the subtalar joint best classified?
Clinically, subtalar joint movement is classified as inversion-eversion.
What is the subtalar joint?
The subtalar joint, also known as the talocalcaneal joint, is a compound joint positioned directly below the ankle joint. 1 It is comprised of the calcaneus (heel bone) and a column-shaped bone called the talus. The subtalar joint is vital to movement as it helps to readjust the lateral (side-to-side) position of your foot as you navigate uneven ...
Why is the subtalar joint important?
The subtalar joint is vital to movement as it helps to readjust the lateral (side-to-side) position of your foot as you navigate uneven or shifting terrain. Without the subtalar joint, you would be unable to run, jump, walk, or move with any precision.
What is the difference between juvenile idiopathic arthritis and osteoarthritis?
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a type of pediatric arthritis with no known cause in which the subtalar joint is often the first joint affected. Osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear form of arthritis that is often caused by a previous joint injury, such as a fracture. 3.
What are the facets of the bones?
The facets are known as the anterior subtalar joint (ASTJ), the medial subtalar joint (MSLJ), and the posterior subtalar joint (PSTJ). The bones are held in placed by strong but flexible connective tissues called ligaments. The main ligament is called the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament , which runs along a groove between the bones called ...
How to treat subtalar instability?
Subtalar instability is often treated with corrective orthotics and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Arthritis may be treated with oral or injected anti-inflammatory medications (including corticosteroids ), while rheumatic causes may benefit from immune-suppressive therapies. 3
Which joint plays no role in dorsal or plantar flexion?
Supination involves eversion as the arch is lifted and the midfoot rolls to the side. The subtalar joint plays no role in either dorsal or plantar flexion.
What is the term for a flat foot?
Subtalar dislocation, often described as "basketball foot," typically occurs if you land hard on the inside or outside of your foot. Pes planus, also known as "flat feet," is a collapsed arch.
What is the subtalar joint?
The subtalar joint is an articulation between two of the tarsal bones in the foot – the talus and calcaneus. The joint is classed structurally as a synovial joint, and functionally as a plane synovial joint. This article will look at the anatomy of the subtalar joint – its articulating surfaces, movements and neurovascular supply.
What is the articulating surface of the subtalar joint?
The subtalar joint is formed between two of the tarsal bones: Inferior surface of the body of the talus – the posterior talar articular surface. Superior surface of the calcaneus – the posterior calcaneal articular facet. As is typical for a synovial joint, these surfaces are covered by articular cartilage.
What are the ligaments that support the subtalar joint?
The capsule is also supported by three ligaments: Posterior talocalcaneal ligament. Medial talocalcaneal ligament. Lateral talocalcaneal ligament.
What ligament binds the talus and calcaneus together?
An additional ligament – the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament – acts to bind the talus and calcaneus together. It lies within the sinus tarsi (a small cavity between the talus and calcaneus), and is particularly strong; providing the majority of the ligamentous stability to the joint.
What is the most common mechanism of damage to the calcaneus?
The calcaneus is often fractured in a ‘ crush ‘ type injury. The most common mechanism of damage is falling onto the heel from a height – the talus is driven into the calcaneus. The bone can break into several pieces, known as a comminuted fracture. Upon x-ray imaging, the calcaneus will appear shorter and wider.
What is the inferior surface of the talus?
Inferior surface of the body of the talus - the posterior talar articular surface.
Which muscle is responsible for the articulating surface of the foot?
This movement is produced by the muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg. and tibialis anterior muscle respectively. The nature of the articulating surface means that the subtalar joint has no role in plantar or dorsiflexion of the foot. The subtalar joint receives supply from two arteries and two nerves.
What is the subtalar joint?
Subtalar joint. Ligaments of the medial aspect of the foot. In human anatomy, the subtalar joint, also known as the talocalcaneal joint, is a joint of the foot. It occurs at the meeting point of the talus and the calcaneus . The joint is classed structurally as a synovial joint, and functionally as a plane joint.
Where is the subtalar joint located?
In human anatomy, the subtalar joint, also known as the talocalcaneal joint, is a joint of the foot. It occurs at the meeting point of the talus and the calcaneus . The joint is classed structurally as a synovial joint, and functionally as a plane joint.
What is the main ligament of the joint?
The main ligament of the joint is the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament, a thick, strong band of two partially joined fibers that bind the talus and calcaneus. It runs through the sinus tarsi, a canal between the articulations of the two bones.
What is the synovial membrane?
A synovial membrane lines the capsule of the joint, and the joint is wrapped in a capsule of short fibers that are continuous with the talocalcaneonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints of the foot.
Which ligament runs parallel to the calcaneofibular ligament?
The short, strong lateral talocalcaneal ligament connects from the lateral talus under the fibular facet to the lateral calcaneus, and runs parallel to the calcaneofibular ligament. The medial talocalcaneal ligament extends from the medial tubercle of the talus to the sustentaculum tali on the medial surface of the calcaneus.
Where is the anterior talocalcaneal ligament located?
The anterior talocalcaneal ligament (or anterior interosseous ligament) attaches at the neck of the talus on the front and lateral surfaces to the superior calcaneus. The short band of the posterior talocalcaneal ligament extends from the lateral tubercle of the talus to the upper medial calcaneus.
Which articulation is formed by a concave surface of the talus and a convex?
The posterior talocalcaneal articulation is formed by a concave surface of the talus and a convex surface of the calcaneus. The sustentaculum tali forms the floor of middle facet, and the anterior facet articulates with the head of the talus, and sits lateral and congruent to the middle facet.
How does the subtalar joint move?
As has been described, motion at the subtalar joint is commonly expressed in one of two ways: when the calcaneus is free, such as during the swing phase, or when it is in firm contact with the ground during the stance phase of walking. While in the stance phase, the leg and talus move as one mechanical unit over the fixed calcaneus. Although the motion at the subtalar joint is small, it is nevertheless important. The subtalar joint allows a dissipation of the relatively slight horizontal and frontal plane rotations of the leg and talus that naturally occur when the lower extremity is in contact with the ground during the stance phase. To understand the importance of these motions, consider the consequences of a fused subtalar joint. In this scenario, the leg, talus, and calcaneus would all be forced to move together—following the rotating lower extremity. This would significantly alter an individual’s balance and ability to ambulate over uneven ground.
Where is the subtalar joint located?
The subtalar joint is located within the rearfoot (see Fig. 11.1 ). This joint consists of the articulation between the facets on the inferior surface of the talus and the matching facets on the superior surface of the calcaneus. The shape of this joint is specifically designed to allow frontal and horizontal plane motions between the foot and the lower leg. These motions are essential for adapting to uneven ground surfaces or cutting laterally or medially while walking or running.
Why is the subtalar joint important?
The subtalar joint allows a dissipation of the relatively slight horizontal and frontal plane rotations of the leg and talus that naturally occur when the lower extremity is in contact with the ground during the stance phase.
How to determine subtalar joint position?
Subtalar joint position is determined by comparing the orientation of the calcaneus relative to the distal third of the leg when the calcaneus is in its neutral position . Rearfoot varus is defined as an inverted calcaneus when compared with the posterior bisection of the tibia in the non–weight-bearing position (Fig. A20-12, A ). Rearfoot valgus is the opposite situation, with the calcaneus everted relative to the tibia ( Fig. A20-12, B ). Calcaneal varus and valgus are terms used to describe calcaneal position relative to the supporting surface. This position may represent a compensated position, depending on the range of motion available at the subtalar joint.
What are the three articulations of the subtalar joint?
The subtalar joint is composed of three articulations: the posterior, middle, and anterior joints or facets (Figs. 77-1 and 77-2 ). There are numerous extra-articular ligaments that stabilize the subtalar joint. The major ligaments encountered during subtalar arthroscopy are the intra-articular components, which consist of the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament, the lateral talocalcaneal ligament, and the anterior talocalcaneal ligament ( Fig. 77-3 ). These coalesce to form the division between the posterior and middle facets of the subtalar joint. The interosseous ligament is a broad, stout structure measuring approximately 2.5 cm in breadth from medial to lateral. It is an important landmark and marks the arthroscopic boundary for posterior subtalar arthroscopy.
What ligaments support the subtalar joint?
The larger posterior surface of the subtalar joint is reinforced by calcaneofibular, deltoid (tibiocalcaneal fibers), interosseous (talocalcaneal) and cervical ligaments. The calcaneofibular ligament that limits the excessive inversion and the deltoid ligament that limits the excessive eversion were described previously within the ankle joint. The interosseous and cervical ligaments bind the talus with the calcaneus and limit all extreme motion of the subtalar joint but dominantly the inversion motion. Collateral ligaments of the ankle joint also support subtalar joint. Subtalar eversion is controlled by deltoid ligament, while lateral collateral ligament controls the inversion motion ( Renstrom et al., 1988; Stephens and Sammarco, 1992; Luo et al., 1997 ).
What is the interosseous ligament?
The interosseous ligament is a broad, stout structure measuring approximately 2.5 cm in breadth from medial to lateral. It is an important landmark and marks the arthroscopic boundary for posterior subtalar arthroscopy.
When does closed chain subtalar pronation occur?
Closed chain subtalar pronation occurs during the loading responsephase of the walking cycle.
What is the term for the rotation of the tibial joint?
In a closed chain, tibial external rotation produces talar "external rotation," typically called talar abduction. The talus also dorsiflexes and the calcaneus inverts. Subtalar supination influences the alignment of the two axes of the midtarsal joint, causing them to become non-parallel.
What happens during open chain pronation?
During open chain pronation, the talus is fixed, so the mobile forefoot dorsiflexes and abducts.
Which pronation influences the alignment of the two axes of the midtarsal joint?
Subtalar pronation influences the alignment of the two axes of the midtarsal joint, making them more parallel.
What is non parallel alignment of the midtarsal axes?
Non-parallel alignment of the midtarsal axes permits the foot to become rigid to support the body's weight and to provide rigid lever for propulsion.
Is the talus mobile or fixed?
In a closed chain, the talus is mobile while the foot's distal part (the "forefoot") is fixed by its contact with the ground. The mobile talus plantar flexes and adducts (its anterior part tips inferiorly and medially).
What is subtalar joint movement?
Due to the convex posterior facet of the calcaneus and corresponding concave facet of the talus, subtalar joint movement can be described as rotation, translation or a combination of both.
What is subtalar joint?
subtalar joint arthritis. Subtalar joint arthritis in which to degenerative changes in the cartilage of the subtalar joint. The most common cause of sub-talar arthritis is traumatic injury to the hind foot and is commonly seen after fracture to the calcaneus or talus. Presenting symptoms of subtalar arthritis include pain and swelling in ...
How much does the talus advance?
According to these findings, for every 10° of rotation around the subtalar axis, the talus advances 1.5 mm.
How to treat subtalar arthritis?
Use of an exercise bike or swimming as a form of aerobic exercise instead of walking or running, will likely be beneficial as it allows for a good workout with much less loading through the subtalar joint.
How many parts does the subtalar joint have?
In a simplified way, one can divide the subtalar joint into two parts, an anterior and a posterior part.
Which joint has no tendinous attachments?
subtalar joint arthritis. The talus is the only tarsal bone with no muscular or tendinous attachments. It is oriented obliquely on the anterior surface of the calcaneus. The irregular shape of the talus can be defined by the head, neck, and body. Talar body :-.
Which ligaments contribute to subtalar stability?
The superficial layer consists of the calcaneofibular, lateral talocalcaneal, medial talocalcaneal, and posterior talocalcaneal ligaments and the lateral root of the inferior extensor retinaculum.
Where is the subtalar joint?
The subtalar joint is located just below the ankle joint between the talus bone and the calcaneus (heel) bone. The main job of the subtalar joint is to allow for side-to-side movement of the foot and ankle. This movement aids in walking, especially on uneven surfaces. A fusion surgery locks bones together and is appropriate for diseased joints ...
How is subtalar fusion performed?
Subtalar fusion is most often performed through an incision on the outer side of the foot. The joint surfaces are prepared by removing all cartilage and correcting all deformity. The bone surfaces are roughened to stimulate bleeding. This bleeding allows the two bones to heal together after the joint is fixed with hardware (screws). X-rays will be used during the surgery to ensure proper alignment and hardware position. Sometimes bone graft is added to help the healing. Once surgery is finished, the foot and ankle are placed in a well-padded splint.
Why do you delay subtalar fusion?
Your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon will discuss your treatment options with you before proceeding with a subtalar fusion. Skin problems in the area of the surgical site, poor overall health, or active infections may cause your surgeon to delay the procedure.
What is fusion surgery?
A fusion surgery locks bones together and is appropriate for diseased joints that can’t be replaced. Once a fusion heals together, it acts as one unit and can restore function and provide significant pain relief. Generally speaking, fusion also is very durable.
How long does it take to walk after a foot surgery?
Although partial weightbearing often is allowed within a few weeks after surgery, full weightbearing in shoes usually takes at least 8-12 weeks.
Is subtalar fusion durable?
Generally speaking, fusion also is very durable. Subtalar fusion is performed to either correct rigid, painful deformities or instability of the subtalar joint, or to remove painful arthritis of this joint. During surgery, this joint between the talus bone above and calcaneus bone below is removed as the joint surfaces are fixed together.
Anatomy
Function
- The subtalar joint is key to such motions as walking and running, as well as your posture while performing them. The mechanisms behind how the subtalar joint propels you are complex. This joint's primary movements involve supination, in which the foot rolls toward the body's midline, and pronation, in which the foot rolls away from the midline. Bot...
Associated Conditions
- The subtalar joint is vital to mobility. As such, it can be especially prone to wear and tear, trauma, and joint-specific disorders. The damage can often be deeply felt and be difficult to pinpoint without imaging tests, such as an ultrasound. Any damage done to the subtalar joint and any connective tissues that support it can trigger pain, lead to foot deformity (often permanent), and …
Treatment
- Injuries or disorders of the ankle and foot can be diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist (foot doctor) or an orthopedist(bone, joint, and muscle specialist). Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and imaging tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)scan. In so…
Summary
- The subtalar joint is a joint in your hindfoot where two tarsal (ankle bones) are joined by the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament. The two bones that make up this joint are the talus bone, located in the curve of your ankle, and the calcaneous bone, which forms your heel. The subtalar joint's primary responsibility is to facilitate gait movements. Because of the constant, repeated s…
A Word from Verywell
- Studies show that range of motion in the subtalar joint is 20% to 30% lower in older adults compared to younger people. Decreased range of motion puts one at risk for foot pain, something that one in four older adults experience.6 Given the importance of your subtalar joint and the likelihood of foot pain, it's wise to work on improving your foot joint's strength and movement as …