Incidence and pattern types of fractures of the lateral process of the talus

Fractures of the lateral process of the talus have historically been considered unusual. This study sought to more precisely define the typical lateral talar process fracture pattern and its incidence in general trauma patients. Such information may have implications for the clinical treatment of these seemingly increasingly recognized injuries. A retrospective review was performed at our level I trauma center of the x-rays and available computed tomography scans of all talus fractures treated between 2000 and 2005 to identify the respective incidence and variation in fracture configuration of all isolated lateral process injuries. The incidence was 10.4%. The fractures were most commonly single large fragments closely followed in frequency by nonarticular chip patterns.