Peritalar dislocation: review of literature

Abstract

Peritalar dislocation is a rare lesion, although ascending, occurring most commonly on the medial aspect of the foot. Correction is achieved through closed reduction in most cases and should be followed by a computed tomographic study of the joint to assess the quality of correction and the presence of associated lesions undetected on plain radiographs. When a stable reduction is achieved, patients should be immobilized with a suropodalic cast during four to six weeks. Unstable reductions require fixation of the joint with a Kirschner wire, andfurther cast immobilization for the same amount of time. Open reduction is made necessary only in those cases which the conservative treatment fails or to treat the associated lesions.Subtalar stiffness and subtalar arthrosis are common complications of these lesions. A subtalar arthrodesis, in those cases which severe damage to the joint has occurred, has been the management of choice for a number of authors. A poor prognosis has been associated tolateral or open dislocations, as well as to the presence of associated fractures.