A Unique Treatment for Talar Osteonecrosis: Placement of an Internal Bone Stimulator: A Case Report

There are many treatment options for talar osteonecrosis without collapse, ranging from restricted weight-bearing to arthrodesis. We present a patient with talar osteonecrosis without evidence of collapse. After conservative treatment had failed, she was treated successfully with arthroscopic drilling, bone-grafting, and placement of an internal bone stimulator.

Talar osteonecrosis is a challenging entity to treat. Despite our increased knowledge of the complex talar vascular anatomy, etiologies, and treatment options, poor outcomes remain all too common. A combination of bone-grafting and an internal bone stimulator was effective for relief of symptoms in our patient in the short-term.