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Plate Fixation of Talar Neck Fractures: Preliminary Review of a New Technique in Twenty-three Patients

2002; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 16; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/00005131-200204000-00001

1531-2291

P. B. Fleuriau Chateau, David S. Brokaw, Bradley A. Jelen, D. Kevin Scheid, Timothy G. Weber,

Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment

Objective To describe an unreported technique of fixation for talar neck fractures. Design Retrospective review and telephone interview of patients with fractures of the talar neck (OTA 72–A1.2, 72–A1.3, 72–C2). Setting Level-one trauma center with six trauma surgeons. Patients/Participants Twenty-three patients treated with minifragment plates over a four-year period. Follow-up intervals were an average of twenty months. Intervention Talar neck fractures were stabilized with one or two 2.0 or 2.4 plates, with additional 2.0, 2.7, or 3.5 lag screws when necessary. Most fractures were approached through medial and lateral incisions. Main Outcome Measures Union rates, pain, and incidence of complications. Functional outcome will be best determined by a further review with longer follow-up. Results Mini fragment plates were placed on the side with the most comminution, and all wounds and fractures healed uneventfully. Four patients underwent hardware removal. Two patients developed a mild extension malunion, but there was no evidence of varus malunion, as measured on Canale views. Conclusions Initial review suggests that plate fixation of comminuted talar neck fractures is a successful technique, with low rates of complications compared with those discussed in the literature. A further review in a few years will allow functional assessment studies.