What Causes A Fracture of the Talus?

A talus fracture is a break in one of the bones that forms the ankle. This type of fracture often occurs during a high-energy event, such as a car collision or a fall from a significant height.

Because the talus is important for ankle movement, a fracture often results in substantial loss of motion and function. A talus fracture that does not heal properly can lead to complications, including a limp, arthritis, and chronic pain. For this reason, most talus fractures require surgery.

What Are The Symptoms of A Fractured Talus?

Patients with talus fractures usually experience:

• Acute Pain
• Inability to walk or bear weight on the foot or ankle
• Considerable swelling, bruising and tenderness

physicians provide both surgical and conservative treatments options.

What Are The Treatment Options For Achilles Tendinitis?

Immediate first aid treatment for a talus fracture, as with any painful ankle injury, is to apply a well-padded splint around the back of the foot and leg to immobilize and protect the limb.  The splint should extend from the toe to the upper calf.  Elevating the foot above the level of the heart helps to minimize swelling and pain. Specific treatment depends upon the severity and the type of fracture, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Many talus fractures require surgery because of the high-energy force that creates the injury. Stable, well-aligned fractures, however, can often be treated without surgery. This is usually done with a combination of immobilization and then rehabilitation.

Casting. A cast will hold the bones in your foot in place while they heal. You will have to wear a cast for 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, you will be asked to limit the amount of pressure you put on your foot. The goal is for the bone to heal enough for you to bear weight on it without the risk that it will move out of position.

Rehabilitation. When the cast is removed, your doctor will give you exercises to help restore range of motion and strengthen your foot and ankle.

Surgical Treatment

If the bones have shifted out of place (displaced), surgery to internally set and stabilize the broken pieces results in the best outcome and reduces the risk of future complications.

Open reduction and internal fixation. During this operation, the bone fragments are first repositioned (reduced) into their normal alignment. They are then held together with special screws or metal plates and screws.

Recovery