The early treatment of peritalar dislocation.

Peritalar dislocation is an uncommon injury and was first described after flying accidents. Ten patients are reported who sustained this injury after minor trauma. They were treated by closed reduction and immobilisation of the ankle in a plaster cast for between 10 and 12 weeks, the first 2 weeks being non-weightbearing. No degenerative changes were detectable in the subtalar joints one year after injury. Early reduction and immobilisation may be significant in reducing the incidence of degenerative arthritis in the subtalar joint.