Efficacy analysis of arthroscopic reduction combined with orthopedic robot-guided screw placement for Hawkins type II fractures of the talus neck.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of arthroscopic reduction combined with robot-guided screw placement on Hawkins type II fractures of the talus neck.

Methods: Clinical data from 42 patients with talus neck Hawkins type II fracture treated in the institution from November 2019 to January 2021 were selected. According to the blind envelope method, 21 patients were enrolled in the study group, and 21 patients were enrolled in the control group. The patients in the study group underwent arthroscopy-assisted reduction combined with orthopedic robot navigation screw placement surgery, while those in the control group underwent open reduction surgery.

Results: All 42 patients were followed up. The patients in the study group were followed up for a mean of 14.76 (range, 12-17) months. No talus avascular necrosis or fracture nonunion were observed. Subtalar arthritis was reported in two cases. Patients in the control group were followed up for an average of 14.52 (ranging from 12 to 17) months, and no talus avascular necrosis or fracture nonunion was found. Incisional infection occurred in one case and subtalar arthritis in three cases. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in the duration from injury to surgery, operation time, blood loss, incision length, and number of guide pin insertions. There was no significant difference between the two groups in ankle joint range of motion, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score at the last follow-up, and visual analogue scale of pain before operation and at the last follow-up (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The management of Hawkins type II fracture of the talus neck using arthroscopy-assisted reduction combined with robot navigation screw placement yields satisfactory results and represents a viable treatment alternative that warrants consideration.