Talar Fracture In Adults

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a talar fracture? 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 fracture may occur in the talar head, neck, or body depending on the cause. The talus bone may also break into many pieces. A talar fracture may cause the broken parts of the bone to move out of its normal position. A fracture that breaks through the skin has an increased risk of infection. When the talus breaks, the tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels around it may also be affected.

What causes a talar fracture? A sudden, forceful bending of your ankle or foot sideways may cause a talar fracture. This may occur because of a fall, a direct blow to the ankle, or a car accident. You may also break your talus while playing sports. Professional ballet dancers, soccer players, runners, and snowboarders may be at a higher risk of having this kind of fracture.

What are the signs and symptoms of a talar fracture?

• Ankle bones may look out of place.
  
  
• Pain and swelling in the injured ankle. The pain may be worse when the affected area is touched.
  
  
• The injured area may be bruised and feel warm when touched.
  
  
• Trouble moving the ankle or foot. You may limp or not be able to put any weight on the injured ankle.

How is a talar fracture diagnosed? Different tests may help check if the talus bone is fractured. Tests also show which part of it is broken and whether the bones have moved out of place. Loose bits of bone may also be seen. You may have one or more of the following:

• Arthroscopy: Caregivers may want to look inside your ankle to check for signs of fracture or injury. Caregivers make a small incision (cut) in your ankle and insert a scope through it. The scope is a long tube with a magnifying glass, a camera, and a light on the end.
  
  
• Bone scan: This is a test to look at your bones. You are given a small, safe amount of dye in an IV. Pictures are then taken of your bones.
  
  
• Computed tomography scan: This test is also called a CT or CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses computers to take pictures of your ankle, and foot. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. The test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of your ankle and foot.
  
  
• X-rays: You may need x-rays of the ankle and foot. Several pictures taken from different angles may be done to help show the broken bone better. You may be asked to move your ankle or foot in certain directions while x-rays are taken.

How is a talar fracture treated? Treatment will depend on which part of the talus was broken and how bad your fracture is. You may need one or more of the following:

• Immobilization: Caregivers will keep your broken talus from moving and help it heal faster. It may be the only treatment needed when the talar fracture is small. This may also be done for large fractures where broken bones did not move out of their normal position. You may have a below-knee, non-weight bearing cast for about six weeks. A removable boot and crutches may be used later to help decrease stress on the ankle when walking.
  
  
• Medicine: Medicines may be given to help decrease your pain. You may need antibiotic medicine or tetanus shot if skin has been cut.
  
  
• Surgery: You may need surgery if you have a bad talar fracture. This includes a talus fracture that is large, out of place, or has many broken pieces. It may also be needed if your fracture does not heal with other treatments. Surgery helps return bones to their normal position by putting them together with wires, pins, metal plates, or screws. Surgery may also be done if you have other injuries, such as nerve or blood vessel damage.

Where can I find more information? Having a talar fracture may be hard. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont, IL 600184262
  Phone: 1-847-8237186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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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