Understanding changes in the subtalar joint after ankle fusion surgery for arthritis

Morphologic and Kinematic Adaptations of the Subtalar Joint after Ankle Fusion Surgery in Patients with Varus-type Ankle Osteoarthritis

NIH-funded research University of Utah · NIH-10928264

This study looks at how ankle fusion surgery impacts the joint below the ankle in people with a specific type of arthritis, aiming to understand how the surgery might change movement and stress on that joint to help improve future treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10928264 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how ankle fusion surgery affects the subtalar joint in patients with varus-type ankle osteoarthritis. The study focuses on the alignment and movement of the subtalar joint after the tibiotalar joint is fused, as this surgery can lead to new stresses on the subtalar joint. By analyzing the joint's morphology and kinematics using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers aim to identify how these changes may contribute to secondary osteoarthritis. The findings could help refine surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with varus-type ankle osteoarthritis who are considering or have undergone ankle fusion surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of ankle arthritis or those who have not undergone ankle fusion surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical strategies that minimize the risk of secondary osteoarthritis in patients undergoing ankle fusion.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding joint adaptations after similar surgical interventions, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Salt Lake City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.