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Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 9/2019

01-09-2019 | ANKLE

Currently used imaging options cannot accurately predict subtalar joint instability

Authors: Nicola Krähenbühl, Maxwell W. Weinberg, Nathan P. Davidson, Megan K. Mills, Beat Hintermann, Charles L. Saltzman, Alexej Barg

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 9/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

To give a systematic overview of current diagnostic imaging options and surgical treatment for chronic subtalar joint instability.

Methods

A systematic literature search across the following sources was performed: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. Twenty-three imaging studies and 19 outcome studies were included. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS 2) tool was used to assess the methodologic quality of the imaging articles, while the modified Coleman Score was used to assess the methodologic quality of the outcome studies.

Results

Conventional radiographs were most frequently used to assess chronic subtalar joint instability. Talar tilt, anterior talar translation, and subtalar tilt were the three most commonly used measurement methods. Surgery often included calcaneofibular ligament reconstruction.

Conclusion

Current imaging options do not reliably predict subtalar joint instability. Distinction between chronic lateral ankle instability and subtalar joint instability remains challenging. Recognition of subtalar joint instability as an identifiable and treatable cause of ankle pain requires vigilant clinical investigation.

Level of evidence

Systematic Review of Level III and Level IV Studies, Level IV.
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Metadata
Title
Currently used imaging options cannot accurately predict subtalar joint instability
Authors
Nicola Krähenbühl
Maxwell W. Weinberg
Nathan P. Davidson
Megan K. Mills
Beat Hintermann
Charles L. Saltzman
Alexej Barg
Publication date
01-09-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 9/2019
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-018-5232-8

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