Phoenix STS is a small titanium implant designed to help stabilize the foundation of the foot by supporting the natural alignment between the ankle and heel bones.

Phoenix is used to help address instability between the ankle bone (talus) and heel bone (calcaneus), a condition commonly associated with excessive foot pronation and collapsing foot alignment. This instability may contribute to arch collapse, foot fatigue, and knee, hip, and lower back discomfort.

No. Phoenix does not fuse bones together. The goal is to stabilize the foot while preserving natural motion.

The implant is placed within the sinus tarsi area between the ankle and heel bones through a small incision on the outside of the foot.

Yes. Phoenix STS is considered a minimally invasive procedure and is typically performed through a small incision.

When performed alone, the procedure may often take approximately 15–20 minutes.

Anesthesia options vary and may include local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will determine the best option for you.

Weight-bearing timelines vary by patient and procedure. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your case.

The goal of Phoenix is to improve alignment and stability, which may help improve gait mechanics and reduce abnormal strain throughout the body.

Many patients with heel pain also have underlying instability of the foot foundation. Stabilizing the talotarsal mechanism may help reduce excessive strain contributing to symptoms.

In some patients, unstable foot mechanics may contribute to bunion progression. Improving hindfoot alignment may help reduce abnormal forces associated with bunion deformity.

The implant is intended to remain in place long term, but it can be removed if clinically indicated.

Some patients may temporarily notice the implant as the foot adapts. Most patients gradually become accustomed to the stabilization.

All surgical procedures involve risks. Your surgeon will review the benefits, risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes with you before surgery.

Potential risks may include temporary discomfort, implant irritation, need for implant removal, and incomplete symptom relief. Your surgeon will discuss whether you are a good candidate.

You may be a candidate if you experience flat feet or overpronation, chronic foot fatigue, progressive bunions, posterior tibial tendon problems, or recurrent ankle instability. A proper examination and imaging evaluation are necessary.

Yes. In patients with instability in both feet, bilateral treatment may sometimes be recommended to help restore balanced alignment and gait mechanics.

Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and geographic region. Some patients choose self-pay options.

Recovery varies by patient and procedure type, but many patients experience mild swelling and temporary soreness.

Contact Astra OrthoMed or use the physician locator section of the website to find trained providers near you.

Phoenix STS (Sinus Tarsi Stent) is a 3rd-generation extra-osseous talotarsal stabilization (EOTTS) implant system designed to stabilize recurrent talotarsal joint instability while preserving physiologic joint motion.

Phoenix STS is designed to help stabilize recurrent talotarsal joint dislocation (RTTJD), a pathologic instability between the talus and calcaneus associated with excessive pronation and abnormal lower-extremity biomechanics.

Unlike osteotomies, arthrodesis procedures, or tendon transfers, EOTTS is minimally invasive and focuses on internal stabilization of the talotarsal mechanism without permanently altering osseous anatomy. Potential advantages may include preservation of natural joint motion, a smaller incision, reduced surgical trauma, faster recovery, a reversible implant option, and the ability to combine with adjunctive procedures.

No. Phoenix STS is not an arthrodesis procedure. The goal is to stabilize excessive talotarsal motion while maintaining physiologic range of motion.

Phoenix STS is manufactured from implant-grade titanium alloy engineered for biocompatibility, strength, and durability.

Patients may present with heel pain / plantar fasciitis, medial ankle pain, sinus tarsi pain, progressive bunion deformity, and progressive arch collapse.

Diagnosis may include clinical examination, weight-bearing radiographs, dynamic gait evaluation, and weight-bearing fluoroscopic assessment. Dynamic imaging can provide valuable insight into talotarsal instability during stance and gait.

Yes. Phoenix STS may be performed as a standalone stabilization procedure, combined with soft tissue balancing, bunion correction, tendon repair procedures, or pediatric flatfoot reconstruction strategies. Procedure selection should always be based on patient pathology and surgeon judgment.

Yes. One of the advantages of EOTTS is that the implant may be removed if clinically indicated.

In experienced hands, isolated EOTTS implantation may often be completed in approximately 15–20 minutes.

Depending on state regulations, anesthesia considerations, facility capabilities, and patient selection, some surgeons may perform EOTTS procedures in office-based procedural environments.

Yes. Phoenix STS is designed to stabilize excessive talotarsal motion while preserving physiologic range of motion.

Weight-bearing fluoroscopic principles may provide valuable insight into dynamic instability and correction assessment.

Phoenix STS may be considered for skeletally immature and mature patients depending on clinical presentation and surgeon assessment.

Some patients may continue to benefit from orthotic support depending on pathology, activity level, and overall biomechanical needs.

Contraindications may include active infection, severe osseous deformity requiring reconstruction, inadequate anatomy, certain inflammatory arthropathies, and severe instability requiring alternative procedures. Please refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) for complete indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

Astra OrthoMed offers hands-on cadaver training, surgical observation opportunities, didactic RTTJD education, weight-bearing fluoroscopic training, patient selection guidance, and practice integration support.

Phoenix STS is designed and manufactured under applicable quality system standards. Regulatory availability may vary by country or region.

Contact Astra OrthoMed to learn more about surgeon training events, cadaver labs, proctorship opportunities, and Surgeon Advocate programs.