Subtalar Joint

Description

Subtalar joint anatomy

Anatomy of the hindfoot focused on the subtalar joint

The subtalar joint. Articulation of the calcaneus with the talus bone can be seen. The red arrows show the subtalar joint on a lateral X-ray and illustration. The red dashed lines represent the talocalcaneonavicular joint while the blue dots represent the talocalcaneal joint.

Names

• Subtalar Joint
• Talocalcaneal Joint

General

• Subtalar joint is an articulation between the talus and calcaneus
• Classified as a synovial joint, functionally as a plane synovial joint

Articulating Surfaces

• Talus
  • Posterior talar articular surface on the inferior surface of the body
• Calcaneus
  • Posterior calcaneal articular facet on the superior surface of the calcanea
• Surfaces are covered by articular cartilage

Stability

• Enclosed joint capsule, lined by synovial membrane
• Capsule supported by Cervical Ligament of the Foot
  • Posterior talocalcaneal ligament
  • Medial talocalcaneal ligament
  • Lateral talocalcaneal ligament
• Interosseous Talocalcaneal Ligament
  • Binds the talus and calcaneus together
  • Lies within the sinus tarsi
  • Particular strong, provides the majority of the ligamentous stability

Movement

• Formed on an oblique axis
• Chief movement is eversion/inversion

Vascular Supply

• Posterior tibial artery
• Fibular artery

Innervation

• Medial Plantar Nerve
• Lateral Plantar Nerve
• Deep Fibular Nerve

---

Clinical Significance

• Calcaneus Fracture
• Talus Fracture
• Subtalar Dislocation
• Subtalar Osteoarthritis

---

See Also

• Physical Exam Foot And Ankle
• Ankle Pain Main
• Ankle Anatomy Main

---