Operative treatment of talar body fractures / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the results and related key points in operative treatment of talar body fractures. Methods From April 2002 to July 2008, 44 patients with talar body fractures underwent the operation. There were 3 females and 41 males. The mean age of the patients was 31.7 years. The fractures occurred on the left side in 26 patients and on the right side in 18 patients. According to Sneppen classification, 24 type Ⅱ, 20 type V. Eleave cases were open fractures, according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification, there were 3 cases in type Ⅰ , 7 in type Ⅱ, 1 type in Ⅲ A. The mean interval between injury and surgical treatment for open fractures and close fractures was 5.3 hours and 8.9 days. The mechanism of injury was a fall from the height in 18 patients, a traffic accident in 13 patients, a crush injury in 8 patients, a sprain injury in 4 patients and a cut injury in 1 patient. Anteromedial approach was used for 15 close fractures, anterolateral approach for 3 and combined anteromedial-anterolateral approach for 15. K-wires fixation were utilized for 3 fractures, screws and temporary K-wires fixation for 5 cases, bioabsorbable screws for 2fractures, cannulated screws for 30 fractures and cannulated screws and threaded cancellous screws for 4cases. Results Thirty-five patients were followed up 21 to 89 months (average, 44.5 months). Necrosis of incision was found in 4 cases, wound infection occurred in 1 case. All fractures had achieved bone union;the average healing time was 22 weeks. Functional results were assessed according to AOFAS score, the average score was 77.3, There were 11 patients in excellent results, 13 in good, 10 in fair and 1 in poor. The overall excellent and good rate was 68.6%. Avascular necrosis occurred in 5 cases. Traumatic arthritis occurred in 19 cases. Arthrodesis was needed in 5 cases. Conclusion The timing and approach of surgery is determined by the condition of the talar fractures and soft tissue. Anatomical reduction, preservation of the blood supply and early active pain-free mobilization are key points in the treatment of the talar body fractures.