Late results after vertical fracture of the talus

Twenty-seven patients were examined on an average of 5 years after sustaining a vertical fracture of the talus. One patient had bilateral fractures. In spite of degenerative osteoarthrosis being visible on the radiographs, the functional results were good. Necrosis of the talus with deformity was consistent with surprisingly good function of the foot, subjectively and objectively. Operative reduction of the fracture had a high frequency of complications. The indications for primary talectomy in a fracture of this bone, as advocated by some other authors, is discussed. Closed reduction should be tried before open reduction is performed. If operation is necessary, the soft tissues must be treated with the utmost care in order to avoid necrosis and infection.