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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-03-2010 | Orthopaedic Surgery

Subtalar instability: a biomechanical cadaver study

Authors: S. Weindel, R. Schmidt, S. Rammelt, L. Claes, A. v. Campe, S. Rein

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

Hypothesis

Subtalar instability is thought to be one of the possible causes for chronic functional instability of the foot and ankle. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of ligament injury that is followed by subtalar instability and to depict consecutive pathologic joint motion.

Methods

Twelve fresh human cadaver lower legs were investigated with respect to pathologic motion and mobility of the subtalar joint in a modified spinal column simulator after arthrodesis of the talocrural articulation and selective sectioning of the lateral ligaments of the subtalar joint. In order to simulate several injury mechanisms, ligaments were dissected starting anteriorly in group one (n = 6) and posteriorly in group two (n = 6).

Results

Dissection of the bifurcate ligament in group one resulted in a significant increase in plantar- and dorsiflexion, dissection of the inferior extensor retinaculum resulted in a significant increase in eversion and inversion. Additional dissection of the lateral talocalcaneal ligament resulted in a significant increase in internal and external rotation. Dissection of the calcaneofibular ligament in group two was followed by significant kinematic changes regarding all degrees of motion in the subtalar joint.

Conclusions

The calcaneofibular ligament plays a key role in lateral stabilisation of the subtalar joint. Therefore, ligaments of the subtalar joint should be included in surgical repair.

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Title: Subtalar instability: a biomechanical cadaver study
Authors: S. Weindel
R. Schmidt
S. Rammelt
L. Claes
A. v. Campe
S. Rein
Publication date: 01-03-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-008-0743-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Subtalar instability: a biomechanical cadaver study

Abstract

Hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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