Conservative treatment of subtalar dislocations

Forty-five patients who presented between 1983 and 1998 with acute closed dislocation of the subtalar joint were selected for this study. There were 37 medial and eight lateral dislocations. The mean follow-up was 7.5 years (range: 2–17 years). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot Score (AOFAS) at follow-up was 84. Subtalar fusion was required in one patient with persistent severe hindfoot instability. There was no significant difference in the AOFAS score between medial and lateral subtalar dislocations. We conclude that pure subtalar dislocation produced by low energy trauma, promptly reduced and immobilised for 4 weeks has a favourable long-term outcome.