A talus fracture consists of a break in one of the bones which make up the ankle. This type of fracture typically occurs during a high-energy event, such as a car collision or a high-velocity fall. Due to the fact that the talus is important for ankle movement, a fracture can result in significant loss of motion and function. Moreover, a talus fracture that is not able to heal correctly can lead to serious complications, such as chronic pain. Due to this reason, a lot of talus fractures end up necessitating surgery. It’s important to be informed regarding talus fractures and other types of foot injuries in order to proactively protect yourself, so in the case that they happen you know what to do. Read on to learn more about this particular foot injury and what you should know if you have a fractured talus. Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute is a top foot and ankle clinic in the Celebration area. Call Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine clinic today to schedule an appointment.
Anatomy and Description of A Talus Fracture
Firstly, let’s discuss the anatomy of a talus fracture. The talus is the bone which makes up the lower part of the ankle joint (the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg make up the upper part of the ankle joint). The talus is on top of the heel bone, or calcaneus. Together, the talus and calcaneus form the subtalar joint, which is essential for walking, especially on uneven ground. The talus is the main connector between the foot and leg, and assists in transferring weight and pressure forces across the ankle joint. It is covered largely by articular cartilage, the white slippery material that covers all joint surfaces. This cartilage is the reason that the talus is able to smoothly glide against its neighboring bones. Fractures are able to happen on all parts of the talus bone. Most commonly, the talus breaks in its mid-portion, called the “neck.” The “neck is between the “body of the talus, located underneath the tibia, and the “head, which is located further down the foot.
More On This Foot Injury
Foot and ankle clinic Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute notes that another common site for talus fractures is along the outside of the bone where it juts out slightly. This area of the bone is usually labeled the “lateral process.” Fractures of the lateral process typically happen when the ankle is forced out to the side and are fairly common in snowboarders. Fractures are usually classified according to the severity of the displacement, or how much the pieces of bones have moved out of their normal position; minimally displaced, displaced, and open fracture. The majority of talus fractures are due to high-energy trauma such as a car collision or a fall from height. Injuries from sports, specifically snowboarding, are another, less common, cause of talar injuries.
Contact Us Today
Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute is a top foot and ankle clinic in the Celebration area. Call Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute today if you have a foot injury and make an appointment.