Isolated medial subtalar dislocation: the importance of early mobilization

Abstract

Background and objective: Isolated subtalar dislocations are rare injuries. Current studies have reported that it requires 5 or 6 weeks immobilization after the injury. The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of 4-week immobilization on the recovery of foot function after isolated medial subtalar dislocation. Subject and methods: We reported a rare case of an isolated medial subtalar dislocation in a male who was immobilized for only 4 weeks after closed reduction under anesthesia. The patient underwent early mobilization of the feet and ankles. This report has been submitted after due approval from the Institutional Review Board of Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Hospital, India. Results: The patient was successfully managed by closed reduction under anesthesia. The foot function of the patient recovered well at 6 months of follow-up. The results of 1-year follow-up showed that the foot function was basically normal. Conclusion: Early closed reduction and early mobilization of the foot and ankle ensured the good functional outcome.