Tibial-talar dislocation without fracture: treatment principles and outcome

The incidence of tibial-talar dislocations without fracture is unknown and has been sparsely reported in the literature. The diagnosis of the injury is straightforward with the appropriate examination and roentgenograms. Good to excellent results can be achieved with open or closed dislocations treated by closed reduction and immobilization for 4-6 weeks. Although open dislocations require irrigation, debridement, and possibly delayed closure, controversy exists with regard to acute ligament repair. Because good to excellent results are possible without acute ligament repair, and delayed repair on reconstruction can be accomplished with good outcomes, we recommend treating these injuries without ligament repair.