Understanding changes in the subtalar joint after ankle fusion surgery for arthritis
Official title: Morphologic and Kinematic Adaptations of the Subtalar Joint after Ankle Fusion Surgery in Patients with Varus-type Ankle Osteoarthritis
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10928264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $521,717 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR082952-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with varus-type ankle osteoarthritis who are considering or have undergone ankle fusion surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of ankle arthritis or those who have not undergone ankle fusion surgery may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Andrew Edward — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Andrew Edward
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.