Peripheral Talus Fractures-A Clinical Observational Study of 16 Cases

Background: Peripheral talar fractures are rare injuries. They comprise fractures of the lateral process, the lateral and medial tubercle of the posterior process, the medio-caudal ridge, and traumatic osteochondral fractures of the lateral talar dome. The objective of this observational case series was to report the clinical and radiological outcome after surgical treatment.Methods: 16 peripheral talar fractures could be included in this retrospective case series. All patients were treated operatively and followed for a minimum of 12 months. Clinical and radiological outcome were recorded.Results: Mean follow-up was 16 months. 13 subjects presented with concomitant injuries. 2 patients suffered an additional spine fractures, and 4 patients were polytraumatized. No non-union or mal-union were observed. One patient needed subtalar and calcaneo-cuboidal fusion during follow up due to a concomitant calcaneal fracture. Other secondary procedures like implant removal were necessary in 5/16 subjects. During the last follow-up the recorded AOFAS score (mean ± SD) was 87.3 ± 6.6 and the EQ5-D (mean ± SD) 0.91 ± 0.06.Conclusion: With early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment good results can be expected after peripheral fractures of the talus. Less favourable outcomes are usually associated with concomitant injuries.