OBJECTIVE: To describe an unreported technique of fixation for talar neck fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective review and telephone interview of patients with fractures of the talar neck (OTA 72-A1.2, 72-A1.3, 72-C2). SETTING: Level-one trauma center with six trauma surgeons. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three patients treated with minifragment plates over a four-year period. Follow-up intervals were an average of twenty months. INTERVENTION: Talar neck fractures were stabilized with one or two 2.0 or 2.4 plates, with additional 2.0, 2.7, or 3.5 lag screws when necessary. Most fractures were approached through medial and lateral incisions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Union rates, pain, and incidence of complications. Functional outcome will be best determined by a further review with longer follow-up. RESULTS: Mini fragment plates were placed on the side with the most comminution, and all wounds and fractures healed uneventfully. Four patients underwent hardware removal. Two patients developed a mild extension malunion, but there was no evidence of varus malunion, as measured on Canale views. CONCLUSIONS: Initial review suggests that plate fixation of comminuted talar neck fractures is a successful technique, with low rates of complications compared with those discussed in the literature. A further review in a few years will allow functional assessment studies.
OBJECTIVE: To describe an unreported technique of fixation for talar neck fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective review and telephone interview of patients with fractures of the talar neck (OTA 72-A1.2, 72-A1.3, 72-C2). SETTING: Level-one trauma center with six trauma surgeons. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three patients treated with minifragment plates over a four-year period. Follow-up intervals were an average of twenty months. INTERVENTION: Talar neck fractures were stabilized with one or two 2.0 or 2.4 plates, with additional 2.0, 2.7, or 3.5 lag screws when necessary. Most fractures were approached through medial and lateral incisions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Union rates, pain, and incidence of complications. Functional outcome will be best determined by a further review with longer follow-up. RESULTS: Mini fragment plates were placed on the side with the most comminution, and all wounds and fractures healed uneventfully. Four patients underwent hardware removal. Two patients developed a mild extension malunion, but there was no evidence of varus malunion, as measured on Canale views. CONCLUSIONS: Initial review suggests that plate fixation of comminuted talar neck fractures is a successful technique, with low rates of complications compared with those discussed in the literature. A further review in a few years will allow functional assessment studies.