The subtalar joint axis is oriented 16 degrees medial in which plane?

The subtalar joint axis is oriented 16 degrees medial in which plane?

• A. 16 degrees medial in the sagittal plane.
• B. 16 degrees lateral in the sagittal plane.
• C. 10 degrees medial in the sagittal plane.
• D. 20 degrees medial in the sagittal plane.

Answer: (A)

The subtalar joint axis is not straight up and down; it sits obliquely through the hindfoot. When we describe its orientation, we’re talking about how much it tilts toward the midline in a given view. In the sagittal plane (the side view), the axis is tilted medially by about 16 degrees. This medial tilt in the sagittal plane is what sets up the characteristic coupling of hindfoot movements: dorsiflexion is associated with some inversion and adduction, while plantarflexion is associated with eversion and abduction. So saying it is 16 degrees medial in the sagittal plane accurately captures its directional tilt.

The subtalar joint axis is not straight up and down; it sits obliquely through the hindfoot. When we describe its orientation, we’re talking about how much it tilts toward the midline in a given view. In the sagittal plane (the side view), the axis is tilted medially by about 16 degrees. This medial tilt in the sagittal plane is what sets up the characteristic coupling of hindfoot movements: dorsiflexion is associated with some inversion and adduction, while plantarflexion is associated with eversion and abduction. So saying it is 16 degrees medial in the sagittal plane accurately captures its directional tilt.