Talar insufficiency fracture complicating ankle cheilectomy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Ankle cheilectomy is a common surgical treatment for anterior ankle impingement.
• The procedure typically has high success rates and low complication rates when performed before significant osteoarthritis develops.

Observation:

• This study reports on three patients who developed insufficiency fractures of the talar neck after undergoing ankle cheilectomy.
• These fractures occurred in the context of treating anterior ankle impingement.

Findings:

• Insufficiency fractures of the talar neck are a potential complication following ankle cheilectomy.
• Radiographic findings for these stress fractures may not be immediately apparent, often requiring weeks to manifest.

Implications:

• Timely diagnosis of talar insufficiency fractures by radiologists is critical.
• Early identification can prevent serious complications such as avascular necrosis, which is associated with displaced talar neck fractures.
• Radiologists should maintain a high index of suspicion for these fractures in patients presenting after ankle cheilectomy, suggesting further imaging as needed.