Talus Fractures

Question 1

What fracture is unique to snowboarders?

Answer 1

Lateral process fracture of the talus

Question 2

What is the classification for talar neck fractures?

Answer 2

Hawkins
I- Non displaced (0-13% AVN)
II- Subtalar dislocation (20-50%)
III- Subtalar and tibiotalar dislocation 20-70%)
IV- Subtalar, tibiotalar and talonavicular dislocation (70-100%)

Question 3

What direction do comminuted talar neck fractures collapse?

Answer 3

Varus; can use mini frag plate to prevent collapse

Question 4

Subchondral lucency on mortise view of a talar neck fracture 6-8 weeks after injury is a sign of what?

Answer 4

Intact vascularity and resorption of subchondral bone

Called Hawkin’s sign

Question 5

What is the most common complication with talar neck fractures?

Answer 5

Subtalar arthritis (50%)
Tibiotalar arthritis (33%)

Question 6

Varus malunion of the talar neck leads to what gait changes?

Answer 6

Decreased subtalar eversion

Walking on lateral side of foot

Question 7

Where is the talus widest?

Answer 7

Anteriorly

Wider by 2.5mm