Operative treatment of displaced talus fractures

The talus is a bone with unique biomechanical features and vascular supply. Displaced fractures of the talus, therefore, frequently create problems of proper management. Forty-one severe talar fractures were treated operatively. The incidence of avascular necrosis was relatively low in this series (16%), and all of these were of Type III and IV fractures of the Marti-Weber classification. Type IV fractures were successfully treated by arthrodesis per primam, and suggested that fusion may be the indicated method of treatment in these severe injuries. Fusion of the tibiotalar joint has been used to encourage revascularization and to preserve the important function of the subtalar joint. In all other fracture types with dislocation, anatomic reduction is performed to restore joint congruity and encourage maintenance of talar dome viability. Painstaking postoperative management is important for the complete restoration of function.