Fractures of the neck of the talus

Abstract

One hundred and twenty-three patients with fracture of the neck of the talus were followed up over an average of 22 months. Fifty-four fractures were undisplaced, 53 associated with subtalar dislocation, and 16 associated with dislocation of the talus in both ankle joint and subtalar joint. Of the total 123 patients, 21 per cent (26/123) developed avascular necrosis, 31 per cent (38/123) developed talo-crural and 47 per cent (58/123) subtalar osteoarthrosis. Fifteen per cent (18/123) of the fractures united with considerable deformity, and four per cent (5/123) exhibited non-union of the neck. Out of 63 patients with isolated fracture of the neck of the talus, 65 per cent (41/63) reported moderate or severe complaints, and 52 per cent (33/63) complained of functional disability often resulting in a change to lighter work. Even among the 54 undisplaced cases there were unexpected numbers of late sequelae, such as osteoarthrosis, subjective complaints and disablement.