George E . Quill , Jr . , M . D . Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic Louisville , KY SUBTALAR JOINT RECONSTRUCTION

The single axis subtalar joint is a hinge joining the talus and calcaneus that allows adaptation of the foot on uneven ground. This joint modifies the forces of ambulation imposed on the rest of the skeleton and influences the performance of the more distal foot articulations as well. When the structure and function of this joint are altered by trauma, instability, arthritis, infection, or tarsal coalition, subtalar reconstruction, usually in the form of arthrodesis, may prove to be a very successful procedure in treating the patient's resultant disability.