Subtalar implants - Foot Problems Message Board

greenyree · 10-02-2006, 09:04 AM

In 2004 my son had surgery to correct severe flat feet. Subtalar implants were inserted into each ankle. Now two years later it seems one of the implants had come out of place. This is something we were assured could never happen because tissue grows around the implant to keep it in place. The doctor wants to go back in and reposition the implant but we are concerned about the chances of the implant moving again. We do not want to keep putting my son through this. Has anyone ever had this procedure done? The past two years have been great and the implants have really corrected the problem and issues that my son was having. Currently we have an appointment for a second opinion but I am curious if anyone has gone through similar experiences with these types of implants.....

uncgrad · 12-10-2006, 11:06 PM

You said that the implants corrected the issues you son was having. Did the implants create an arch? If so, how high? Did they look cosmetically correct and attractive? Was there any associated pain? I am curious as I have extreme flat feet and am considering calcaneous osteotomy or the implants.

wtwct · 12-15-2006, 03:46 PM

I had the MBA Implant and it was not in the subtalar joint all the way. I had to have to removed because I could not walk with it. It really hurt. My new Dr. said that a calcaneal ostotomy and a tendon transfer is the best for this problem. I saw Dr. Myerson in Baltimore. You should look up his site. They also have articles on this.

pugluver31902 · 12-15-2006, 05:10 PM

Hi! I used to work as a physical therapy assistant, and I saw a few patients who's implants had fallen out. I would not reccomend it. Depending on how severe the problem is, I would look for a podiatric surgeon certified with the American Podiatric surgery board that has experiance with flat feet surgery. I am 9 weeks post op from my flat foot reconstrucion on my second foot. The first was done last year. It is a complicated surgery, but now its done and over with and I can move on with my life. After the first foot healed, I was able to do so much more than I ever could before! Run, jump, and everything else. I wish that my parents had done the surgery on me when I was younger, because since I waited until I was 22, I have knee and hip trouble from my feet being so flat. Please check out the topic MBA implant where I posted the review of my surgery a couple of reply's down. The only thing I would caution is using an orthopedic surgeon, as they tend to be a bit invasive.

jccarey · 05-23-2007, 08:30 PM

Hi
In response to the last post from December where the writer says to beware of orthopedic surgeons as they tend to be invasive. I have the opposite scenario. I have a ruptured PTT on the right. Dr Vogler in Sarasota, a well known respected podiatric surgeon wants to do a triple arthrodesis. I am only 48. My orthoepedic surgeon, also a well-known published surgeon specializing in ankles wants to do a subtalar fusion.
I am stage II with good flexibilty still. Just can't walk more than a block, or buy shoes other than Ecco's or New balance sneakers. And talk about an ugly foot!
I have some time. So I am researching options. I have read alot about tendon transfers with calcaneal osteotomies for my condition. But that is a very long recovery. The subtalar fusion is also 6 weeks of non-weight bearing and 6 mo to a year for complete healing (if your lucky). What I have read about the CSI, conical subtalar implant, seems too good to be true: ease of insertion, quicker recovery with less post-op complications, and normal articulation of the subtalar joint post op.
Would love feedback.
Cathy