Subtalar arthroscopy in Dnipro
Subtalar arthroeresis is a low-traumatic orthopedic operation that is used for foot deformities. During the operation, the surgeon inserts an implant in the groove between the talus and calcaneus bones of the foot to restore its natural mobility and anatomy.
Arthroeresis can be a stand-alone surgery or part of a complex foot reconstruction surgery.
What are the indications for arthroeresis surgery?
Foot deformities can be hereditary and occur at an early age. Over time, foot problems lead to other musculoskeletal problems, such as knee, hip and back problems.
An orthopedic doctor may prescribe arthroeresis of the subtalar joint in the following cases:
- deformation of the arch of the foot, which causes pain,
- gait disturbances and weakness in the limbs,
- flat feet.
The final decision on the need for foot surgery is made by an orthopedic surgeon after a thorough examination and diagnosis of patients when conservative treatment has not brought effective results.
What methods of diagnosing foot problems are used at N1 Clinic?
When diagnosing foot problems, an orthopedic doctor uses the following methods:
- a physical examination, including an assessment of the symptoms of the problem and the functionality of the foot,
- anamnesis collection,
- x-rays of the foot to identify bone abnormalities, damage or deformities,
- laboratory blood tests to check for inflammation and infections.
If these results are not enough, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend additional tests:
- electromyography to check the functional state of the foot muscles,
- computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the ligaments, cartilage, and soft tissues of the foot.
The price of the operation for subtalar arthroeresis is discussed with the doctor at the appointment, if the results of the examination reveal indications for the operation.
What are the advantages of the subtalar arthroeresis technique using modern implants?
In the human body, between the talus and calcaneus, there is a natural notch, which is called as the subtalar sinus. Usually its size changes depending on the position of the foot, but it always remains slightly open. When the feet become deformed, the sinus becomes smaller and can close completely, reducing the mobility of the foot and changing its anatomy.
During the operation, the surgeon places a special implant in the subtalar sinus, which prevents it from closing. In this way, the natural anatomy is restored: the inward roll of the foot disappears, the correct arch is formed and stability returns. As a result, the foot becomes mobile and functional.
Modern implants follow the contours of the subtalar sinus, having a cylindrical-conical shape. They are firmly fixed, allowing the patient to be physically active after the surgery without harming the result, for example, running.
The advantages of using such implants:
- the pain and the fatigue in the feet and legs are reduced,
- the risk of infectious complications is practically absent,
- the implant is removed after achieving the result.
In addition, during the operation there is no need to drill into the bones or use bone cement.
How is foot surgery performed?
Subtalar arthroeresis is performed under general anesthesia.
During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision of about 2 cm in the area of the calcaneus and talus bones. The incision provides access to the subtalar sinus, where an implant is inserted. The size of the implant is selected individually.
The duration of the operation is about 40 minutes.
In adult patients, the implant is removed after 1-1.5 years. In children, the timing of implant installation is determined by the doctor, taking into account age and degree of deformation.
What is the period and process of rehabilitation after subtalar arthroeresis?
The patient is leaving hospital the next day. A cast is not placed on the operated leg and there is no need to walk on crutches.
Complete recovery after subtalar arthroeresis surgery takes 2-4 weeks, but it all depends on the extent of the original problem. If during the operation, in addition to the implant, any other interventions were performed, for example, cutting the Achilles tendon, then the recovery will take longer.
For the first 3 months after the surgery, it is recommended to wear orthopedic insoles made to individual measurements.
During leaving the hospital after thesurgery, the doctor will prescribe a course of rehabilitation and exercises to restore functionality and strengthen muscles.
What are the advantages of performing subtalar arthroeresis surgery at N1 Clinic in Dnipro?
The advantages of performing subtalar arthroeresis at N1 Clinic are:
- orthopedic doctors with over 20 years of experience working with children and adults,
- international treatment protocols,
- modern equipment for diagnostics, treatment and surgeries,
- high-quality anesthesia without consequences,
- full medical support,
- early stage of rehabilitation after the surgery,
- individual choice of patient treatment plan,
- guarantee for the surgery performed.
Make an appointment with our orthopedic doctor at the first sign of foot problems. The sooner you entrust the problem to a professional, the easier and faster the recovery will be.
