Subtalar Fusion

What is Subtalar Fusion?

Subtalar fusion, also known as arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure that involves the fusion of the subtalar joint. The subtalar joint is located between the talus (ankle bone) and the calcaneus (heel bone). The fusion eliminates movement in the subtalar joint, which can help reduce pain and correct deformities.

Benefits of Subtalar Fusion:

  • Reduced pain: By eliminating movement in the subtalar joint, fusion can help alleviate chronic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, instability, or deformity.

  • Improved stability: Subtalar fusion can enhance the stability of the foot and ankle, allowing for better weight distribution and improved function.

  • Corrected deformities: The procedure can help correct deformities or misalignments in the subtalar joint, providing better alignment and restoring normal foot mechanics.

Recovery Process: Recovery from subtalar fusion varies from patient to patient, but generally, the following guidelines can help you understand the process:

  1. Hospital stay: Depending on your overall medical health, you may require an overnight stay in the hospital following the surgery.

  2. Immobilization: When you wake up from surgery your leg will be in a splint. Please do not remove the splint or get it wet. Your surgeon will see you 2 weeks after surgery at which time the splint will be removed, your sutures will be taken out and you will be placed in a removable airboot.  This promotes healing and helps the bones fuse together. At this time the boot can be removed for showers but is to stay on at all other times.

  3. Weight-bearing: You are to avoid putting weight on the foot for AT LEAST 6 weeks (this may be longer if your joint is slow in fusing). Gradual weight-bearing and walking with assistive devices may be introduced as your healing progresses.

  4. Physical therapy: Your surgeon recommends physical therapy starting at 6 weeks to help regain strength, mobility, and endurance in your foot and ankle.

  5. Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and remove sutures if necessary.

Risks and Complications: As with any surgical procedure, subtalar fusion carries certain risks and complications, which may include but are not limited to:

  • Infection

  • Blood clots

  • Nerve or blood vessel damage

  • Nonunion or delayed union of the bones

  • Malalignment of the joint

  • Ankle or foot stiffness

  • Pain or discomfort at the fusion site

  • Allergic reactions to anesthesia or medications

 

Conclusion:

Subtalar fusion is a surgical procedure that aims to alleviate pain, correct deformities, and improve function in the subtalar joint. The recovery process requires patience and adherence to your surgeon's instructions. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider to address any questions or concerns you may have before, during, and after the surgery.

We wish you a successful surgery and a smooth recovery. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance. 

Additional Documents:

Ways to Improve Fracture Healing