Fractures of tarsals and metatarsals

Question 1

Cause of talar neck fracture

Answer 1

Excessive dorsiflexion of foot

The neck of talus is pushed against the tibia

Question 2

Risk of talar neck fracture

Answer 2

Blood supply to talus may be disturbed leading to avascular necrosis

Question 3

Cause of talar body fractures

Answer 3

Jumping from a height

Question 4

Displacement of fragments in fractures of talus

Answer 4

Little displacement

Malleoli hold fragments together

Question 5

Common cause of calcaneus fracture

Answer 5

Falling onto heel from great height

Question 6

What’s the usual mechanism of calcaneus fracture

Answer 6

Talus is forced into calcaneus

Calcaneus suffers a comminuted fracture (breaks into several pieces)

Question 7

Appearance of calcaneus fracture X-ray

Answer 7

Calcaneus appears shorter and wider

Question 8

Complications of calcaneus fracture after treatment

Answer 8

Sub-talar joint may become arthritic

Pain on inversion and eversion

Question 9

Mechanisms of metatarsal fractures

Answer 9

Direct blow (most common) like dropping heavy object on foot
Repeated stress to bone (common in athletes)
Excessive inversion

Question 10

What does repeated stress on metatarsals cause

Answer 10

Stress fracture (incomplete fracture)

Question 11

Which metatarsals do stress fractures most commonly occur to

Answer 11

2-4

Question 12

Complication of metatarsal fracture by excessive inversion

Answer 12

Fibularis brevis muscle can avulse (tear off) base of metacarpal 5

Question 13

What are the sites of talar fractures

Answer 13

Neck

Body