Fracture of the neck of the talus. A clinical study.

A clinical evaluation of 46 patients treated for fractures of the neck of the talus has been made after a mean follow-up period of 6 years. The cause of injury was most frequently motor vehicle accidents (26) and falls from heights (11). In non-displaced fractures plaster with immobilization was used and displaced fractures were treated by closed or open reduction. At follow-up most of the patients complained of symptoms hampering daily activities. Objectively, excellent to good results were obtained in 75 per cent of the non-displaced fractures and in 42 per cent of the displaced. Delayed union occurred in 15 per cent. Avascular necrosis was found in 15 per cent and degenerative changes in 97 per cent. A decreased density of bone under the articular cartilage, called subchondral atrophy, was seen in 50 per cent.