Talus forms part of three joints, superiorly the ankle joint,as it articulates with lower end of tibia, inferiorly talocalcaneal joint as it articulates with upper surface of the calcaneus, and anteriorly talonavicular joint as it articulates with navicular. It has a peculiar blood supply, entering through the neck and supplying the dome. Hence talar fractures cause considerable disability. The common mechanism of injury is either fall from a height or force on the dorsiflexed foot.

Classification

Fracture through the neck of the talus, fractures through the dome of the talus and fracture dislocation of the talus also called the aviators fracture which consists of fracture through the neck of the talus with dislocation of the body of the talus out of the ankle joint.

Special X-rays

Special x-rays in form of oblique views and C.T. scan may be required to properly evaluate the injury.

Non-Operative Treatment

Non operative treatment Is indicated if the fracture is undisplaced.

Operative Treatment

Consists of open reduction and internal fixation using 3.5mm/ 4mm cortical or cancellous screws to fix the fractured fragments.

Complications

Since talus has no muscle attachment, has a peculiar blood supply and forms part of three joints, fractures of the talus though rare, are associated with high morbidity in form of non union, mal union and avascular necrosis leading to painful arthrosis.