Medial subtalar dislocation: importance of clinical diagnosis in distinguishing from other dislocations

In an emergency situation, the clinical picture of ankle and subtalar dislocation may be similar. This may lead to the use of the improper technique of reduction, especially in a subtalar dislocation, resulting in the failure of reduction and further damage to the articular surfaces. A case of medial subtalar dislocation is presented, which was managed as an ankle dislocation and manipulated inappropriately, leading to a failure of reduction. The clinical signs of ankle and subtalar dislocation, including points of differentiation between the two are discussed, and the correct method of reduction of subtalar dislocation is described.