Table of Contents
Introduction
Subtalar arthroscopy is an advanced technique that we often offer at Ankle & Foot Clinic Northwest for persistent subtalar problems that typically arise from sports or industrial injuries. We have been regularly performing the technique for over 20 years.
This minimally invasive technique requires proficient arthroscopic skills and is a very effective way to remove painful tissue impingements. Patients recover quickly within a few weeks rarely without the need for physical therapy.
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What Conditions Can This Technique Be Used For?
This technique, employed after conservative therapies have failed, can be used for the following conditions:
- Adhesions
- Bone spurs
- Cartilage lesions
- Dancer’s Heel
- Flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis
- Loose bodies
- Os Trigonum Syndrome
- Shepherd’s Fracture
- Synovitis
What to Expect?
Typically, patients are non-weightbearing for 1-2 weeks to permit the small incisions to fully heal, slowly increasing activities as tolerated for the next 4-6 weeks, until a return to full activities can be accomplished.
Who Can Benefit?
The person who may benefit most from undergoing an subtalar arthroscopy procedure is that individual who has suffered a twisting ankle injury and feels pain deep in the back of the ankle. Symptoms may worsen with stair or hill climbing expecially going down hill.
After surgery, in most instances, we recommend early range of motion activities to promote healing.
