Open subtalar dislocation treated by distractional external fixation

Subtalar dislocation is a rare injury, constituting approximately 1% of acute dislocations, and often is the result of high-energy trauma, particularly falls from heights. We present a case of a 33-year-old man who sustained a Gustilo type IIIB open subtalar dislocation when he fell 4 m from a scaffold. After irrigation and debridement, a Mitkovic distractional external fixator was applied medially for 6 weeks while the wound healed by secondary intention. Physical therapy was initiated along with partial to full weight bearing during the next 3 months. The patient returned to work at 8 months postinjury. At 24 months, the patient had a normal gait with pain only during prolonged periods of standing or walking. X-rays and MRI were normal with no signs of avascular necrosis or posttraumatic arthritis. Ankle joint range of motion was dorsiflexion 5 degrees and plantar flexion 45 degrees with moderately limited subtalar joint motion. The distractional external fixator allowed for complete wound care and unburdening of the talus, which perhaps reduced the possibility of avascular necrosis.     

Lateral subtalar dislocation: Case report and review of the literature

A case of complicated lateral subtalar dislocation is presented and the literature concerning this injury is reviewed. Subtalar joint dislocations are rare and often the result of a high-energy trauma. Complications include avascular necrosis of the talus, infection, posttraumatic osteoarthritis requiring arthrodesis and chronic subtalar instability. Negative prognostic factors include lateral and complicated dislocations, total talar extrusions, and associated fractures. A literature search was performed to identify studies describing outcome after lateral subtalar joint dislocation. Eight studies including fifty patients could be included, thirty out of 50 patients suffered a complicated injury. Mean follow-up was fifty-five months. Ankle function was reported as good in all patients with closed lateral subtalar dislocation.Thirteen out of thirty patients with complicated lateral subtalar joint dislocation developed a complication.Avascular necrosis was present in nine patients with complicated injury. Four patients with complicated lateral subtalar dislocation suffered deep infection requiring treatment with antibiotics. In case of uncomplicated lateral subtalar joint dislocation, excellent functional outcome after closed reduction and immobilization can be expected. In case of complicated lateral subtalar joint dislocation immediate reduction, wound debridement and if necessary(external) stabilisation are critical. Up to fifty percent of patients suffering complicated injury are at risk of developing complications such as avascular talar necrosis and infection.     

Hawkins-Typ-III-Fraktur

These injuries are extremely rare and severe. The literature describes only individual cases of such injuries. We report a case of a displaced fracture of the talar neck with a complete posterior dislocation and rotation of the body of the talus (Hawkins type III) associated with medial malleolus fracture, treated with the method of urgent open reduction and internal fixation of the talar neck and medial malleolus as well as with the method of distraction external fixation.A 26-year-old male was injured after a fall from a height of over 8 m and was admitted as an emergency to the University Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic in Nis. Surgery was performed within 4 h postinjury. He was mobilized with crutches with non-weight bearing. The external fixator was removed 10 weeks postsurgery, when physical therapy was initiated. The follow-up was 3 years. There were neither early nor late postoperative complications. Three years postinjury, movements in the ankle joint were satisfactory (plantar flexion 35 degrees , dorsal flexion up to 10 degrees , moderately limited movements in the subtalar joint). There were no signs of avascular necrosis; the patient walked normally and went back to physical work 2 years postinjury.Urgent open reduction and internal fixation of the Hawkins type III fracture with dislocation of the talus and distraction external fixation can play an important role in the prevention of avascular necrosis of the talus and other complications which follow this injury.     

开放性距骨脱位的手术治疗

目的：探讨手术治疗开放性距骨脱位的临床疗效。方法：收集2001年6月至2008年7月资料完整的开放性距骨脱位患者11例,男8例,女3例;年龄19～52岁,平均39.5岁。按照Gustilo分型：Ⅰ型2例,Ⅱ型6例,ⅢA型2例,ⅢB型1例。胫距关节脱位5例（其中合并距下关节脱位3例）,距下关节脱位4例,距骨完全脱位2例。8例合并距骨不同部位骨折。所有患者均在伤后8h内接受清创、复位内固定加石膏或外固定支架固定。术后6周去除外固定。X线提示骨折愈合后负重。随访时摄踝关节正侧位、足部正位X线片,并按照美国足踝外科协会（AOFAS）对后足功能评分标准从疼痛、功能、力线等方面进行评分。结果：11例患者随访时间为10～15个月,平均13.8个月。8例合并不同部位骨折的患者均获得愈合,愈合时间4～7个月,平均4.3个月,无伤口及深部感染。距骨坏死2例,创伤性关节炎2例。末次随访时AOFAS评分为（71.3±8.6）分,其中疼痛（32.4±7.1）分,功能（31.0±15.7）分,力线（7.6±2.3）分。结论：对于开放性距骨脱位,通过积极彻底清创可以避免感染的发生;早期复位和固定是治疗的关键。     

Use of allograft cellular bone matrix in multistage talectomy with tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis: a case report

Surgical treatment for traumatic dislocation of the talus is a challenging procedure that is often associated with complications. Application of allograft cellular bone matrix with viable mesenchymal stem and osteoprogenitor cells can eliminate the need for autograft and may increase fusion rates in procedures such as tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis. This report describes the treatment of an adult man who presented with a right ankle fracture and subtalar joint dislocation after a motor vehicle accident. After initial treatment with open reduction and internal fixation, the patient developed avascular necrosis of the talus and septic arthritis of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. After treatment of the infection, the patient was ultimately treated with multistage talectomy and tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis augmented with a cellular bone allograft. Approximately 3 months after the final operation, plain radiographs and computed tomography confirmed solid fusion at the arthrodesis interface. The patient’s recovery was uneventful thereafter, and amputation was avoided. This case, which presented additional challenges because of the large defect created by the infection, suggests that use of an allograft cellular bone matrix has the potential to replicate the bone-healing properties of autograft without the constraints and morbidity associated with autograft harvesting.     

Closed talar body fracture with talonavicular dislocation; a case report

Closed fracture dislocation of the body of the talus is rare. The dislocation of the subtalar and ankle joints (associated with fracture body) has been reported and already described in the current classifications. We report a case of closed fracture of the body of the talus associated with talonavicular dislocation. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed after failed attempt of closed reduction. The fracture has healed and there is no evidence of avascular necrosis after 2 years follow up. We recommend early evaluation of this injury by CT scan or by proper radiographic views under sedation and urgent open reduction if one attempt at closed reduction has failed.     

Fractures of the neck of the talus. Long-term evaluation of seventy-one cases.

Seventy-one fractures through the neck of the talus were clinically evaluated and classified on the basis of roentgenographic appearance. The follow-up interval averaged 12.7 years. Good or excellent results were achieved in 59 per cent of the fractures. Accurate anatomical reduction of displaced fractures, if necessary by open reduction and internal fixation, is recommended. Avascular necrosis of the talar body occurred in 52 per cent of the fractures (in two of thirteen non-displaced fractures, in half of the fractures with subluxation or dislocation of the subtalar joint, and in sixteen of nineteen fractures with complete dislocation of the body of the talus). Many patients with avascular necrosis treated conservatively had satisfactory results. The complications of avascular necrosis, malunion, subtalar arthritis, and infection required twenty-five secondary procedures. Triple arthrodesis, tibiocalcaneal fusion, and dorsal beak resection of the talar neck all resulted in a high percentage of satisfactory results, but talectomy did not.     

Talar neck fracture associated with talonavicular dislocation and fracture of posteromedial process of talus

Canale and Kelly modified the Hawkins classification of talar neck fractures by adding a type IV fracture dislocation to the original 3 types described. Type IV injury occurs rarely and is the only type involving dislocation of the talonavicular joint. To our knowledge, only 2 unusual cases have been described in published studies in which a fracture of neck of the talus occurred in association with talonavicular dislocation but the ankle and subtalar joints remained intact. We describe a very unusual case of an adult male with a fracture of the neck of the talus with talonavicular dislocation, subtalar subluxation, an intact ankle joint, and a fracture of the posteromedial tubercle of talus. Open reduction and internal fixation of the talar neck and posteromedial tubercle was undertaken. The talar neck fracture united without any evidence of avascular necrosis, but the posteromedial tubercle remained un-united. Such an injury is unusual, and the injury pattern is unique and cannot be classified using existing systems.     

Fractures of the talus: Current concepts and new developments

Fractures of the talus are challenging to manage, with historically poor outcomes and a high rate of complications. The rare nature of this injury limits the number of studies available to guide treatment. Fortunately, a number of advancements have been made in the last decade. There is increased recognition regarding the importance of anatomic reconstruction of the osseous injury. Advanced imaging is used to assess the subtalar joint, where even slight displacement may predispose to arthritis. Increasing use of dual anteromedial and anterolateral approaches, along with plate fixation, has improved our ability to accurately restore the anatomy of the talus. Modification of the original Hawkins classification can both guide treatment and allow us to better predict which patients will develop avascular necrosis. Lastly, improved reconstructive techniques help address the most common complications after talus fracture, including arthritis, avascular necrosis, and malunion.     

Nonoperative treatment of closed total talus dislocation without fracture: A case report and literature review

Complete dislocation of the talus not accompanied by a fracture is a very rare injury. Most cases reported are open talus dislocations; closed dislocations are rarely seen. The functional prognosis is poor due to osteonecrosis of the talus which develops in the majority of cases.We present a case of lateral dislocation of the left talus in a 29-year-old road accident victim, but no fracture could be detected in the talus and any of malleolus. Reduction of dislocation had been performed in emergency by external manipulation. At 1-year follow-up, the right ankle was pain free and stable. Motion was satisfactory: 15° dorsal flexion, 30° plantar flexion; the talus didn''t show subluxation and avascular necrosis could not be detected.     

Open talar dislocations without associated fractures

AimTotal dislocation of the talus first reported in 1680. It is a rare injury and without associated fractures is even rarer. Is generally considered to be one of the most disabling ankle injuries and occurs after high energy trauma. The primary goal of our study is the retrospective evaluation of complete talar extrusion without associated fractures and immediate reimplantation.Materials and methodsIn the past nine years, nine patients with mean age 31.7 years were admitted to our center with a complete open talar extrusion. The dislocated talus was reduced and held in place with two Steinmann pins placed from the inferior aspect of the calcaneus, through the talus and into the inferior aspect of the tibia. An external fixator was used to stabilize the limb. The mean follow up time was 21.1 months. At the last follow up visit, six patients were evaluated both radiographically and functionally with the AOFAS score.ResultsSix patients were free of complications and the mean AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score at the time of the last follow up visit was 82.5. Two patients had an infection, one had avascular necrosis of the talus and one had signs of subtalar joint arthritis. Two patients had to undergo arthrodesis.ConclusionsIt is important to attempt reimplantation of the talus since a good final outcome is to be expected. Even in the case of a catastrophic complication this technique will ensure adequate bone stock for additional surgical procedures.     

Reimplantation of a Totally Extruded Talus: A Case Report

Total extrusion of the talus is an unusual injury, and the obvious risks of reimplantation of the extruded bone include infection and avascular necrosis. In this article, the authors present the case of a 34-year-old man who sustained an open ankle injury with complete extrusion of the talus. The talus was recovered at the scene of the accident, and subsequently reimplanted along with ankle stabilization with pins and an external fixator. At 6 weeks following the osseous surgery, final soft tissue reconstruction with a suralis flap was performed. At 3 years after the injury, radiographs revealed spontaneous fusion of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints, and the clinical examination and history indicated satisfactory weight-bearing function of the involved foot and ankle. The definitive treatment of this serious lower extremity injury remains controversial, and the use of large allogeneic bone grafts, vascularized bone grafts, and tibiocalcaneal fusion, as well as reimplantation of the extruded talus have been recommended.     

Avascular necrosis of the head of the talus without death of the body: report of an unusual case.

A case of fracture of the neck of the talus with dislocation of the subtalar joint is reported in which the head of the talus underwent avascular necrosis while the body remained alive.     

Modified Blair Tibiotalar Arthrodesis for Post-traumatic Avascular Necrosis of the Talus: A Case Report

Surgical treatment of post-traumatic avascular necrosis of the talus coupled with collapse often results in limited treatment options. Of those options, the Blair tibiotalar arthrodesis has been beneficial in preserving limb length and subtalar motion. The complications associated with Blair tibiotalar arthrodesis have led to modifications to improve stability and functional outcomes with rigid internal fixation. We present the case of a 29-year-old female with a history of an open fracture dislocation of the talus 10 years previously, with subsequent development of avascular necrosis of the talus. The purpose of the present case report was to describe the surgical approach and use of an anterior compression plate to augment the modified Blair tibiotalar arthrodesis.     

A Complete Dislocation of the Calcaneus: A Case Report

Isolated dislocation of calcaneus from cuboid and talus is extremely rare. This is a report of a 40-year-old man who sustained an open dislocation of calcaneus from cuboid and talus with subluxation of the talonavicular joint. Immediate reduction and stabilization with Kirschner wires and an external fixator was performed. At 2-year follow-up, there was no evidence of infection or avascular necrosis of tarsal bones. However, osteoarthrosis of the calcaneocuboid joint was evident. The functional result after 2 years was satisfactory. This case illustrates that the diagnosis of concomitant injuries in the adjacent column of the foot and compliance with principles of management of multiple injuries in the midfoot are paramount in reducing morbidity, which is common in such injuries.     

Closed total talus dislocation: a case report

Total dislocation of the talus is caused by a high-energy trauma, that dislocates the talus from all its surrounding articulations. Most cases reported are open talus dislocations; closed dislocations are rarely seen. Complications include avascular necrosis, posttraumatic osteoarthritis and infection. The vascularisation of the talus is delicate and the soft tissue attachments surrounding the talus are important for the blood supply. Closed talus dislocations, closed reduction and careful surgical dissection in case of open reduction respect more soft tissue attachments and potentially reduce the incidence of avascular of necrosis. We describe the case of a 46-year old male patient who sustained a closed total dislocation of the right talus associated with small fractures of the lateral and medial malleolus. The talus could not be reduced by closed means. The malleolar fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation.     

Medial swivel dislocation of the talonavicular joint

Medial swivel dislocation, a variant of subtalar dislocation is uncommon. A 35 years old male presented after 6 weeks old injury to left ankle following motor cycle accident. He had pain, swelling around ankle and was unable to bear weight on left foot. Clinical examination revealed diffuse swelling and tenderness in mid foot region. His plain X rays and CT scan showed talonavicular dislocation with compression defect of the head of the talus. He was treated by open reduction and K-wire fixation. At 32 months follow up foot was painless, stable with normal range of ankle and subtalar motion.     

Delayed debridement of an open total talar dislocation reimplanted in the emergency room

Open total talar dislocation is a rare but well known injury. Its management is controversial and fraught with complications such as infection, avascular necrosis, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis.We report the case of a woman sustaining a pure open talar dislocation reduced in the emergency room. Debridement was done three days after the injury in the operating room. There was no infection. One year after surgery she complained of occasional pain. Ambulation was normal. She wore regular shoes. The overall alignment of the ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot was normal. Movements of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints were not impaired. She has resumed her regular activities. Radiographs showed no signs of avascular necrosis. All components of the treatment strategy of open total dislocation should be carried out in emergency. This results in environment close to the original biological state. Good results can be achieved if infection is avoided.     

Therapeutic management of complicated talar extrusion: literature review and case report

Total extrusion of the talus with interruption of all ligaments (missing talus) is a rare injury. We describe the case of a 27-year-old man who reported total extrusion of the talus after a motorbike accident with interruption of all talar ligaments. In the first repair effort, the articular void left by the talus was filled with antibiotic cement and the wound was closed primarily. Nevertheless, the skin overlying the talar joint displayed necrosis. In order to cover the cutaneous defect, improve local vascularization, and allow reimplantation of the talus, a sural fasciocutaneous island flap was harvested. Subsequently, the original talus was placed and arthrodesis of the subtalar joint was performed. The patient was able to walk bearing full weight without support equipment after 6 months. Several therapeutic options have been suggested in such cases, including replacing the talus, tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis, and pseudoarthrodesis. The rarity and peculiarity of such cases make the establishment of generalized guidelines an arduous task, leaving the choice of treatment to the surgeon, in conformity with each case’s peculiarity. In this case use of the flap may have promoted the vascularization of the reimplanted talus, thus avoiding avascular necrosis and allowing successful reimplantation of the original talus.