Treatment of talar neck fractures with external fixators combined with vascularized bone graft / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effects of external fixators combined with vascularized bone graft in treatment of talar neck fractures. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of seven patients who were treated for fractures of talar neck from January 2004 to March 2005 in our department. Of them, six were type Ⅱ and one was type Ⅲ according to the Hawkin s classification. One case was managed with closed reduction and six with open reduction and internal fixation with percutaneous cannulated screws. In addition, all the patients were treated with transarticular external fixators combined with vascularized bone graft. Bone healing, osteonecrosis and hindfoot functional recovery were documented. Results All the patients were followed up for 13 to 24 months (average, 17 months). All of them achieved bony union. According to the Maryland hindfoot scoring system, five cases were excellent and two were good. No avascular necrosis was found. One patient complicated with talar body fracture developed posttraumatic arthritis that was later managed by tibiotalar fusion. Conclusions External fixators combined with vascularized bone graft can effectively prevent avascular necrosis of the talus, but the long-term effects of this method need further observation.