Isolated talus fractures: description of a new clinical sign

Open reduction and internal fixation for concomitant talar neck, talar body, and medial malleolar fractures: a case report

Fractures of the talus are rare and generally associated with severe trauma. The mechanism of injury is usually forced dorsiflexion or a fall from a height. Severe talar fractures pose a challenge for surgeons as they are often associated with complications such as avascular necrosis, collapse, malunion, secondary osteoarthritis and pain. This has led some institutions to advocate primary arthrodesis for these injuries. We report an unusual complex fracture of the talus that was successfully managed with open reduction and internal fixation. By restoring a near-normal range of motion and function to a fit, young male, the severely limiting effects of arthrodesis were avoided or at least delayed. We use this case to highlight that primary arthrodesis should only be reserved for cases that fail to respond to open reduction and internal fixation or deteriorate to the point where it is the only reasonable and justifiable alternative.

Posterior Foot Pain in a Collegiate Field-Hockey Player

Stress fractures, particularly those in the lower extremity, are disabling and time-consuming injuries commonly seen in athletes. A stress fracture of the posterior talus is rare and presents with signs and symptoms similar to those of soft-tissue injuries in the rear foot. This case study involves a Division-I collegiate female field-hockey athlete who developed a stress reaction in her posterior talus approximately 6 weeks after sustaining a mild eversion ankle sprain. Her chief complaint was pain with forceful plantar flexion during running and cutting. Clinicians must be cautious when an athlete presents with posterior foot pain, being sure to properly assess and rule out differential diagnoses such as tendinitis, os trigonal fracture, and muscle strains. This athlete was able to remain weight bearing during healing, so her rehabilitation protocol allowed for a variety of exercise options.