Talar Fracture In Adults

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A talar fracture (FRAK-chur) is a crack or break in the talus bone of your foot. The talus bone is a square, flat bone on top of the calcaneus (heel bone). It connects the calcaneus with the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones) to form the ankle. A talar fracture may be caused by a sudden, forceful bending of your ankle sideways. This may occur during a fall, direct blow to the ankle, car accident, or while playing sports. Professional ballet dancers, soccer players, runners, and snowboarders may be at a higher risk of having this kind of fracture.
  
  
• You may have pain, swelling, or bruising in the injured ankle. Your foot or ankle may look deformed, and you may have trouble walking or putting any weight on the ankle. Talar fractures may be diagnosed using an x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan. You may have a below-knee, non-weight bearing cast for about six weeks. You may need surgery if the fracture is bad. With treatment and care, your bone may heal completely and you may be able to resume your usual activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

You may need to return for x-rays or other tests.

Activity:

• Elevate: Lie down and elevate (raise) your leg to a level above your heart to help decrease the swelling.
  
  
• Ice: Put an ice pack on your injured ankle to decrease swelling, pain, and redness. An ice pack may be made by putting crushed ice in a plastic bag or ice bag and wrapping it with a towel. Place the ice bag on the cast or splint for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as long as you need it. If ice is put on the injured area for too long or if it is slept on, it may cause frostbite.
  
  
• Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

Using crutches: You may need to use crutches to support and decrease the stress on your ankle when walking. It is important to use crutches correctly. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to use crutches.

Wearing a splint or cast: You may need to wear a splint, or cast. This will help protect your ankle joint and keep it from moving too much so it can heal. It may also be used to decrease pain. A cast or splint is made of plaster or fiberglass. Ask your caregiver for more information and instructions on splint or cast care.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• There are new blood stains or a bad smell coming from under the cast.
  
  
• You have more pain or swelling than you did before the cast or splint was put on.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your injury, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have increased pain that does not go away.
  
  
• Your cast breaks or gets damaged.
  
  
• Your leg or toes feel numb.
  
  
• Your skin or toenails below the injured foot become swollen, cold, or turn white, blue, or gray.
  
  
• Your splint or cast becomes soaked with blood.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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