Talar fracture
Description[edit | edit source]
A talar fracture is a break in the continuity of one of the bones that forms the ankle; the talus.This type of fracture often occurs during a high-energy event, such as a car collision or a high-velocity fall. Because the talus is important for ankle movement, a fracture often results in significant loss of motion and function. In addition, a talus fracture that does not heal properly can lead to serious complications, including chronic pain.[1]
Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The talus is the bone that makes up the lower part of the ankle joint (the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg make up the upper part of the ankle joint). The talus sits above the heel bone (calcaneus). Together, the talus and calcaneus form the subtalar joint, which is important for walking, especially on uneven ground.[1]
The talus is the second largest tarsal bone. It is uniquely shaped and consists of a body, head, and neck. Approximately two-thirds of its surface is covered with articular cartilage.[2] The superior aspect of the body is widest anteriorly and therefore fits more securely within the ankle mortise when it is in dorsiflexion.
The talus has no muscle or tendinous attachments and is supported solely by the joint capsules, ligaments, and synovial tissues. Ligaments that provide stability and allow motion bind the talus to the tibia, fibula, calcaneus, and navicular.[3]
Mechanism of Injury[edit | edit source]
Most talus fractures are the result of high-energy trauma such as a car collision or a fall from height. Injuries from sports, particularly from snowboarding, are another, less common, cause of talar injuries.[1]
Clinical Presentation[1][3][edit | edit source]
Patients with talus fractures usually experience:
- Acute pain
- Inability to walk or bear weight on the foot
- Considerable swelling, bruising, and tenderness of the hindfoot and midfoot
- Gross deformity may be present, depending on the displacement of the fracture and any associated subtalar and ankle joint subluxation or dislocation
Diagnostic Procedures[edit | edit source]
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Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]
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Management / Interventions[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Resources[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Orthoinfo.aaos.org. (2019). Talus Fractures - OrthoInfo - AAOS. [online] Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/talus-fractures [Accessed 31 Jan. 2019].
- ↑ Melenevsky Y, Mackey RA, Abrahams RB, Thomson III NB. Talar fractures and dislocations: a radiologist’s guide to timely diagnosis and classification. Radiographics. 2015 May 13;35(3):765-79.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Fortin PT, Balazsy JE. Talus fractures: evaluation and treatment. JAAOS-Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2001 Mar 1;9(2):114-27.
