Radiographic and functional results of the Hawkins Ⅲ talus neck fractures via internal and lateral approaches / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical results and related key points of surgical treatment for Hawkins Ⅲ talus neck fractures.Methods From March 2005 to March 2010,26 patients with Hawkins Ⅲ talus neck fracture were treated and 21 of them were followed,including 13 males and 8 females,with an average age of 37.6 years.The fractures occurred on the left side in 11 patients and on the right side in 10patients.The mechanism of injury included high falling injury in 13 patients,traffic accident injury in 7 patients and rolling down injury in 1 patient.Five cases were closed fractures and 6 cases were open fractures.A bilateral approach,the medial and lateral approaches,was used to perform the operation with cannulated screw fixation in emergency.After external fixation in functional position for 6 weeks without loading,ankle joints were allowed to take exercise with hinge brace and to bear partially basing on plain radiograph 12-16weeks later.The weight-bearing should be adjusted with follow-up.Functional results were assessed according to AOFAS (American Orthupaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)score.Results The average duration of follow-up was 36.6 months (range,6-60 months).All fractures gained union and the average union time was 4.5 months.The average AOFAS score was 78.6.There were 4 cases in excellent results,10 in good,5 in fair and 2 in poor.The overall excellent and good rate was 67.8％.Traumatic arthritis occurred in 13 cases and avascular necrosis in 5 cases.Conclusion The effect of surgical treatment for Hawkins Ⅲtalus neck fracture via a bilateral approach is satisfactory.