Which surgical option is often included in the treatment of vertical talus?

Which surgical option is often included in the treatment of vertical talus?

• A. Pantalar release
• B. Arthrodesis of subtalar joint
• C. Orthosis only
• D. Closed reduction with casting

Answer: (A)

Vertical talus presents as a rigid deformity where the talus is oriented vertically and the navicular is displaced dorsally, so correcting it requires addressing multiple joints to realign the hindfoot and midfoot. A pantalar release is able to accomplish this by releasing tight soft tissues around the ankle, subtalar, and talonavicular joints, permitting reduction of the talus into the ankle mortise and bringing the navicular back under the talus with stable alignment. This comprehensive approach is often necessary because simpler strategies like orthosis alone or closed reduction with casting usually cannot correct a rigid deformity. Subtalar joint arthrodesis is more of a salvage option when correction cannot be maintained or in older cases, not the typical initial surgical step.

Vertical talus presents as a rigid deformity where the talus is oriented vertically and the navicular is displaced dorsally, so correcting it requires addressing multiple joints to realign the hindfoot and midfoot. A pantalar release is able to accomplish this by releasing tight soft tissues around the ankle, subtalar, and talonavicular joints, permitting reduction of the talus into the ankle mortise and bringing the navicular back under the talus with stable alignment. This comprehensive approach is often necessary because simpler strategies like orthosis alone or closed reduction with casting usually cannot correct a rigid deformity. Subtalar joint arthrodesis is more of a salvage option when correction cannot be maintained or in older cases, not the typical initial surgical step.