Complications after talus fractures: A trauma centre experience

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Trauma care
• Bone healing research

Background:

• Talus fractures are high-energy injuries with significant complication risks.
• Complications include non-union, avascular necrosis (AVN), and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA).
• Understanding outcomes is crucial for managing these complex fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the outcomes of talus fractures in a large patient cohort.
• To identify specific fracture types associated with higher complication rates.
• To inform preoperative planning and patient consent for talus fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective data collection from 100 major trauma center patients with talus fractures (2012-2020).
• Inclusion criteria: age >18, minimum 12-month follow-up.
• Data analysis included fracture classification, management (operative/non-operative), fixation, outcomes, and complications.

Main Results:

• Talar body fractures (47%) were most common; neck fractures (20%) showed highest AVN rates.
• Overall non-union: 2% (both open fractures). AVN rate: 6%.
• Post-traumatic OA rates: tibio-talar (12%), sub-talar (8%), talo-navicular (6%), higher with dislocations and neck/head fractures.

Conclusions:

• Talar body fractures are more frequent than previously thought.
• Talar neck fractures are linked to increased AVN and post-traumatic arthritis.
• Open talus fractures present a higher risk of complications, necessitating careful preoperative assessment.