Abstract
PURPOSE : We performed this study in order to analyze the clinical results and complications of posttraumatic avascular necrosis of talus
MATERIALS AND METHODS : We performed a retrospective review of 19 patients undertaken treatment of talus fracture from September 1996 to September 1998. There were 11 males and 8 females with an a mean age of 21.4 years(range, 10-52years).
RESULTS : In one case, there was soft tissue defect and bone maceration on dorsum of left foot due to crushing injury by traffic accident. The patient was treated with debridement and skin graft. In trauma 5 months, equinus deformity and stiffness of ankle was noted. Posttraumatic avascular necrosis of talus was noted at magnetic resonance imaging. But, there was neither collapse of talar dome nor pain. Therefore, heel cord lengthening and correction of equinus by hinged Ilizarov with distraction was done. In follow-up(1 year 3 months), avascular necrosis was improved and good ambulation without pain was possible. In another case, open reduction and internal fixation for talar neck fracture(Hawkins typeIII)was performed. In trauma 9 months, there were severe degenerative arthritis of peritalar joint, severe ankle pain, and severe avascular necrosis with collapse of talus. Therefore, dead bone resection and ankle arthrodesis with autoiliac bone graft were performed using Ilizarov external fixator. In follow-up(trauma day 1 year 11 months), good ambulation in 90degreesankle fusion state without pain was possible.
CONCLUSION : In the treatment of talus fracture, periodic physical and radiologic examination is important for early detection of posttraumatic avascular necrosis and early management.