Talus Fractures

Talus fractures occur when a person suffers a break in one of the bones that helps to form your ankle. These types of fractures don’t occur that often because they require a high amount of trauma to the ankle, but they are not that uncommon in car accidents or falls.

Anatomy and Diagnosis

Your talus bone makes up the lower part of your ankle joint, and it sits right above the calcaneus (heel bone). The calcaneus and the talus help to form your subtalar joint, which is a crucial joint that aids in walking and balance. Fractures to the talus bone are different and can occur in many different sections of the bone, so there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for talus fractures.

Talus fractures are grouped based on the displacement of the talus bone as a result of the injury:

• Stable or Minimally Displaced Talus Fractures – This is the most mild type of talus fracture, and the talus pieces barely shift at all. Most of these fractures heal on their own without surgical intervention.

• Displaced Fracture – If the talus breaks and shifts positions so that it’s unlikely it will heal correctly on its own, this is known as a displaced fracture. The more the bone is displaced, the more unstable the joint can become, and the greater the likelihood surgery is necessary.

• Open Fractures – Open fractures involve an injury where part of the bone protrudes through the skin. This can lead to muscle, tendon and ligament injuries, as well as the possibility of infection. Surgery is needed to reset the bone into the correct position to healing can take place.

Talus Fracture Treatment and Recovery

The diagnostic process involves a physical exam of the foot and imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI to search for things like fracture location, bone displacement and blood supply to the foot. Here’s a look at some common treatment methods based on the significance of your talus fracture, but keep in mind that every case is unique, and your treatment plan may differ.

• Non-Surgical Management – Fractures that are nondisplaced or minimally displaced are best managed with conservative techniques, including casting, physical therapy, elevation, pain medications and regular evaluation by a foot specialist to ensure the bone is healing as expected. Non-surgical management can take between 6-12 weeks for full healing.

• Surgical Treatment – If it turns out that you do need surgery for a displaced talus fracture, your doctor will perform an operation that will stabilize the fracture and ensure the bones heal in the correct location. Screws or other stabilization hardware may be inserted to hold the bones in place. Your foot will be casted for 2-8 weeks after the operation, and once the cast is removed you will begin early motion exercises and physical therapy. Weight bearing may be limited while you’re recovering so that the bones don’t shift out of place. Full recovery is typically between 2-4 months.

For more helpful tips, check out these rehab exercise videos that will help you recover, or reach out to Dr. Silverman for more information!