Rigid subtalar joint--a radiographic spectrum.

A painful or rigid subtalar joint is a common clinical problem. Computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be useful in evaluating tarsal coalition, but several other pathologic processes with a similar clinical presentation may affect the subtalar joint. Findings from 45 radiographically abnormal subtalar joints are presented, including examples of three different patterns of subtalar tarsal coalition, arthritis, infection, trauma and postsurgical changes. Knowledge of different causes of subtalar pathology may permit ready explanation of symptomatology related to the subtalar joint.