Talus is a small bone in the ankle that connects the ankle to the leg. A break in this bone is known as a talus fracture. It also plays a vital role in forming the ankle joint by connecting with the tibia and fibula. When you move your foot up and down, this joint plays a vital role. In this post, we will have a detailed look at what talus fracture is along with its diagnosis and treatment.

Talus assists in transferring weight across the ankle joint. When a talus fracture occurs, there will be a significant loss of motion in the affected foot. Besides this, the person also won’t be able to bear weight on the injured leg.

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What Are the Different Types of Talus Fractures?

Talus can break at different places and depending on that, they are classified into different types:

Talus Neck Fracture

The mid-portion of the talus is known as the neck, and this is the commonest place where the talus breaks.

Lateral Process

The outside part of the talus is known as the lateral process. A break in the lateral process occurs when the ankle is forced outward to that side. These fractures are also called “snowboarder fractures” because they are commonly seen in snowboarders.

Avulsion Talus Fractures

A talar avulsion fracture is when a small bone pulls away where it is attached to a tendon or ligament from the rest of the bone.

Talus Stress Fracture

A talar stress fracture is when repetitive stress on the bone results in a crack. Overuse is the commonest cause of these fractures and is mostly seen in athletes.

What Are the Symptoms of Talus Fracture?

A fracture is always a painful condition and in the case of a break in the talus, the affected person finds it difficult to move. Some of the common symptoms associated with the fracture include:

• Difficulty in walking
• Difficulty in putting weight on the affected foot
• Swelling around the ankle joint
• Fracture blisters
• Tenderness
  

What Are the Causes of Talus Fractures?

High-energy trauma is the commonest reason for talus fractures. Such trauma may include automobile accidents, falling from a significant, and when something heavy hits directly on the joint. Besides this, such fractures may also occur because of contact sports injuries, snowboarding, and overuse of the talus bone.

Talus fracture can occur when someone suddenly twists his/her ankle while walking, running, or playing any sport.

What is the Diagnosis of Talus Fractures?

The diagnosis of talus fracture starts with a physical examination where the healthcare service provider examines the injured foot for swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and deformity. However, the confirmation can only be given by imaging tests that may include:

• X-ray examination
• CT scan
  

What is the Treatment for Talus Fractures?

The treatment of the fracture depends on its severity. In mild cases, the healthcare service provider will apply a splint to prevent unnecessary movement of the ankle. If this works well in healing the fracture no surgery will be required. Sometimes, the healthcare service provider may apply a cast for around 6-8 weeks.

If nothing works, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend ankle surgery. Open reduction an internal fixation is the surgical method that is performed.
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