Lateral talar process fracture and peroneal tendon dislocation: a previously unrecognized injury complex

Lateral talar process fractures and peroneal tendon dislocations are frequently unrecognized at the time of injury. Lateral process fractures were initially classified by Hawkins as three types. Type II injuries are comminuted fractures involving both the talofibular and talocalcaneal articular surfaces. The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to describe an injury complex of Type II lateral talar process fracture with peroneal tendon dislocation.

Between January of 1995 and December 2006, 13 patients were seen for a lateral talar process fracture. Patients' charts were reviewed for fracture classification, mechanism of injury, radiographic studies, treatment, secondary procedures, length of followup and return to previous activity level. Concurrent peroneal tendon dislocations were identified in a subset of these patients.

Thirteen patients were identified with lateral talar process fractures all of which were classified as a Hawkins Type II. Six patients (46%) had a simultaneous peroneal tendon dislocation. All patients underwent operative excision of the comminuted lateral process. Patients with the injury complex were more likely to undergo additional operative procedures, and were more likely to develop subtalar arthritis. At final followup, 71% of patients with isolated lateral process fractures and 33% of injury complex patients had returned to their previous level of activity

An injury complex of Hawkins Type II lateral talar process fractures and peroneal tendon dislocation exists. Patients with comminuted lateral talar process fractures, especially those resulting from high-energy injuries, should be carefully evaluated for the possibility of concurrent peroneal tendon dislocation.