Fourteen years follow up of an unclassified Talar body fracture with review of literature

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Abstract

Talar body fractures are rare. Four major types of talar neck fractures are known but talar body fractures are rarely described. An unusual case of a sagittal fracture of the body of talus is reported in this article. No similar cases are reported in the English literature to the best of our knowledge. The risk of avascular necrosis is very high and accurate reduction with solid fixation remains the key to better outcome. We discuss the possible mechanism of injury along with review of literature.

Section snippets

Case report

A 30-year-old painter fell 10 feet from a ladder, landed and twisted his right ankle. He was seen in Accident and Emergency department. Physical examination revealed a swollen tender ankle, intact skin with no neurovascular deficit. Radiographs revealed a displaced vertical fracture of the neck of the talus extending through the body with vertical fracture of the medial malleolus and medial talar shift (Fig. 1, Fig. 2).

Open reduction and internal fixation was performed through a medial approach.

Discussion

Talar fractures have a relatively low incidence, accounting for 0.3% of all bone fractures and 3.4% of foot fractures [1], [7]. These injuries affect the neck of the talus more than the head or body. Fractures of the body of the talus are uncommon and poorly described, accounting for 7–38% of all talus fractures [2]. Body fractures usually affect the mechanical alignment and the congruity of both the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. A combination of talar body fracture and medial malleolus

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