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Talus Fractures

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Edited by Hayley Daniell and Matt Fury - 7/1/2021

Descriptors

Talar neck (Hawkins classification), lateral process, posterior process, head, body

Exam Pearls

Lower extremity neurovascular exam

Examine for skin threatening, open injuries

Examine foot for associated injuries

Workup

Radiographs: AP and lateral of the ankle and foot

Other imaging: CT ankle and foot

Labs: None

Other: Insert your text here

Management

Need for acute intervention:
Displaced talar neck fracture: Yes, emergent reduction and immobilization in ED Nondisplaced talar neck fracture, talar head/body/process fracture: Immobilization without reduction

Weight-bearing and range of motion: NWB LE

Type of immobilization: AO short leg splint

Admission or discharge status: Admission for urgent OR if unable to reduce in ED; trauma waitlist for displaced talar neck fracture. Discharge with 1 week follow-up in trauma or F&A ankle clinic for non-operative fractures (see below)

Anticoagulation: ASA 325 daily

Antibiotics: None

Surgical Indications

Absolute: Inability to reduce in ED (urgent reduction in OR), displaced talar neck fracture (Hawkins II-IV)

Relative: Displaced (>2mm) talar head/body/lateral process/posteromedial process fracture

Not an indication: Nondisplaced talar neck fracture (Hawkins I) with no intra-articular stepoff on CT); nondisplaced talar head/body/process fractures