![]() ![]() The following is an example of a chip fracture sustained from a fall with impact on the top of the foot indicated by the circle on the x-ray seen on a lateral film. ![]() Usually occurs near a joint and typically at the top of the foot. Location of pain and type of pain or discomfort can vary depending on the type of injury to the talus listed below.Ĭhip fractures typically occur due to the position of the foot during the injury and the directed of the force against the foot which would only involve a small portion of the foot. Symptoms of a talar fracture include acute pain, and the inability to walk or weight bear on the foot, and severe swelling, bruising and tenderness. Imaging is very important as it allows the surgeon to properly assess the location of the fracture in three dimensions prior to surgery. Imaging of talar fracture will begin with a standard set of x-rays and this will often be followed up with a CT scan. These are called open or compound fractures which have a higher risk for complications and infection and may be considered a surgical emergency. This is necessary to restore alignment and allow for the best chances of proper healing and normal movement of the foot and ankle.īecause most talar fractures are a result of high impact loads, the broken portion of the bone can break through the skin. Most talus fractures, particularly displaced fractures require operative treatment in the form of surgical reduction with screws. This scenario, however, is the exception and not the rule. Treatment for the minimally displaced or stable fracture can sometimes be treated with immobilization such as a cast. They are life altering and commonly result in chronic pain secondary to poor healing and post-traumatic arthritis of the ankle joint. These fractures often occur from high-energy impact such as motor vehicle accidents. Although Talar body fracture is more common than Talar head fractures, they are rare nevertheless and account for 0.62% of all fractures that are treated. Long-term outcome for the treatment of these rare fractures is not well documented. Less than of talar fractures occur in the head region and may occur in either isolated or in conjunction with other talar injuries. Lateral process fractures often occur when the ankle bone is sandwiched to the outside of the heel during impact and is a common snowboarding injury. Another common sight for a talus fracture is located along the outside section of the bone near the heel known as the lateral process. The neck of the talus connects the head with the body which is invested in the ankle joint itself. The most common fracture occurs in a portion called the neck. This results in chronic pain and for this reason a surgical approach is usually necessary.įractures of the talus may occur in any part of the bone. Because the talus is so important for proper ankle movement a fracture may result in significant loss of motion and function. The talus allows for the up-and-down motion of the ankle and is essential for proper movement needed for normal gait. The talus is unique in that it does not attach to tendons or muscles and is held entirely within the ankle by ligaments. This may happen after an injury or as a result of certain medications such as steroids. Add to that its very complicated and tenuous blood supply making it very prone to bone death and collapse. The talus is almost completely covered with cartilage and because of this is particularly susceptible to arthritis. It acts to connect the foot to the ankle and is the pivot point for motion. The talus is one of the most fascinating and indispensable bones around the foot and ankle region. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |