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Updated: Jul 12 2026

Talar Neck Fractures

Images
https://upload.orthobullets.com/topic/1048/images/weatherford_120510_00001-2_moved.jpg
https://upload.orthobullets.com/topic/1048/images/r talar neck.jpg
https://upload.orthobullets.com/topic/1048/images/talar neck fx dislocation lateral.jpg
https://upload.orthobullets.com/topic/1048/images/hawkins 4.jpg
  • Summary
    • Talar neck fractures are high energy injuries to the hindfoot that are associated with a high incidence of talus avascular necrosis.
    • Diagnosis is made with radiographs of the foot but frequently require CT scan for full characterization.
    • Treatment is emergent reduction of the talus following by internal fixation in an acute or delayed fashion. 
  • Epidemiology
    • Incidence
      • common
        • most common fracture of talus ( 50%)
  • Etiology
    • Mechanism
      • a high-energy injury
      • is forced dorsiflexion with axial load
    • Associated conditions
      • ipsilateral lower extremity fractures common
  • Anatomy
    • Articulation
      • inferior surface articulates with posterior facet of calcaneus
      • talar head articulates with: 
        • navicular bone
        • sustenaculum tali
      • lateral process articulates with
        • posterior facet of calcaneus
        • lateral malleolus of fibula
      • posterior process consist of medial and lateral tubercles separated by groove for FHL
  • Classification
      • Hawkins Classification
      • Type
      • Description
      • AVN risk
      • Hawkins I
      • Nondisplaced
      • 0-13%
      • Subtalar dislocation
      • 20-50%
      • Hawkins III
      • Subtalar and tibiotalar dislocation
      • 20-100%
      • Hawkins IV
      • Subtalar, tibiotalar, and talonavicular dislocation
      • 70-100%
  • Imaging
    • CT scan
      • best study to determine degree of displacement, comminution and articular congruity
      • CT scan also will assess for ipsilateral foot injuries (up to 89% incidence)
  • Techniques
    • ORIF
      • technique
        • anatomic reduction essential
        • variety of implants used including mini and small fragment screws, cannulated screws and mini fragment plates
        • medial and lateral lag screws may be used in simple fracture patterns
        • consider mini fragment plates in comminuted fractures to buttress against varus collapse
      • postoperative
        • non-weight-bearing for 10-12 weeks
  • Complications
    • Osteonecrosis
      • 31% overall (including all subtypes)
      • radiographs
        • increased risk with increasing degree of initial fracture displacement
        • associated with talar neck comminution and open fractures
        • recent studies have found a significantly increased risk of osteonecrosis with the presence of subtalar dislocation and/or proximal fracture extension into the talar body
        • delayed internal fixation is not associated with avascular necrosis
        • associated with a dual-incision approach
    • Posttraumatic arthritis
      • subtalar arthritis (50%) is the most common complication
      • tibiotalar arthritis (33%)
      • Posttraumatic arthritis may necessitate fusion surgery
    • Varus malunion (25-30%)
      • can be prevented by anatomic reduction
      • treatment includes medial opening wedge osteotomy of talar neck
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Question
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Trauma | Talar Neck Fractures
  • Trauma
  • - Talar Neck Fractures
20:7 min
1/14/2020
2255 plays
5.0
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