Talus Fractures

These fractures are rare.

Mechanism of Injury

These fractures occur as a consequence of considerable violence e.g. car accidents or if the foot is violently dorsi-flexed. The talus may fracture at a number of sties:

• Neck (50%)
• Body (20%)
• Head (10%)
• Lateral tubercle
• Lateral process

The talus may also dislocate or fracture-dislocate.

Classification

Classification systems exist for all the different fracture sites.

Clinical Features

The patient complains of pain following injury. The foot is swollen and deformed.

X-rays are needed to confirm the diagnosis: AP, lateral and oblique views.

Associated Injuries

The skin may be damaged. The integrity of the neurovascular supply should be checked.

Blood supply to the Talus

In order to understand talus fractures, it is important to recall to attention the blood supply to the talus:

• Anterior tibial artery
• Posterior tibial artery
• Peroneal artery
• Anastomotic vessels.

With fractures of the talar neck, the intraosseous vessels are damaged. In displaced fractures, the extraosseous vessels may be damaged and avascular necrosis of the body may occur.