Talus fractures are often the result of high-energy mechanisms and can lead to devastating complications. Treatment is often operative; however, the appropriate timing of this has been debated. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the early treatment of talus fractures.
The authors retrospectively reviewed patients age 18 years or older who underwent definitive operative stabilization of their talus fracture at a single urban level 1 trauma center. Patients were split into 2 groups based on time to definitive fixation: ≤ or >24 hours. Pertinent demographic, surgical, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed.
Their results examined a total of 108 fractures: 65 in the ≤24 hours fixation group and 43 in the >24 hours fixation group. Fractures involving the talar neck were the most commonly treated fracture pattern followed by the body and the head. There was no difference between the 2 groups in length to full weight bearing, union, or time to union. Open fracture was found to be the only significant risk factor for nonunion in both groups. There was no significant difference in infection or arthrodesis rates between the 2 groups.
The authors concluded that definitive treatment of talus fractures within 24 hours from presentation is both safe and effective with equal outcomes and without increased complications when compared with those injuries that undergo delayed or staged definitive fixation.
Source: DeGenova DT, Miller KB, Paulini AS, et al. Early Definitive Fixation of Talus Fractures Is Safe: A Retrospective Review. Foot Ankle Spec. 2023:19386400231218333. doi: 10.1177/19386400231218333.
