Open Reduction for AO/OTA 81-B3 (Hawkins 3) Talar Neck Fractures: The Natural Delivery Method.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Anatomy

Background:

• Talar neck fractures with subtalar and tibiotalar joint dislocation (AO/OTA 81-B3) pose significant treatment challenges.
• Complex pathoanatomy and risk of soft tissue compromise necessitate urgent surgical intervention.

Observation:

• Existing reduction techniques include medial malleolar osteotomy, posterior Schanz pin manipulation, or posteromedial incisions.
• These methods aim to facilitate relocation during definitive open treatment.

Findings:

• A novel, stepwise surgical technique using intraoperative adjuncts for atraumatic relocation of the talar body is described.
• This method simplifies the fixation of residual talar neck fractures via a standard lateral incision.

Implications:

• The described technique offers a simplified approach to managing complex talar neck fractures.
• It potentially reduces surgical complexity and improves outcomes for patients with these injuries.