[Treatment of fractures of the talar neck: long term follow up of 89 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the experience in treating talar neck fractures.

METHODS

89 patients with talar neck fracture were followed up, and classified by modified Hawkin's classification. Three patients of type I were treated with plastic cast and K-wire, 53 of type II with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), close reduction and plaster, fusion, and 29 of type III and 4 of type IV with joint fusion and ORIF.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 5.18 years. Evaluation by Hawkin's criteria, showed 22 patients were excellent, 16 good; 28 fair and 19 poor results respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency operation with ORIF should be performed in type II and type III talar neck fracture. Medial malleolus osteotomy is recommended when medial approach is used.