Unusual presentation of a talar neck fracture in an intercollegiate varsity football player.

摘要

Fracture of the talar neck is relatively uncommon. They compose less than 1% of all fractures. Typically, this fracture occurs as the result of high-energy trauma. The usual mechanism involves an axial load combined with forced dorsiflexion of the foot or ankle, as may occur in an automobile accident or a fall from a height. In fact, the first series of talar neck fractures was described in British combat pilots injured in downed aircraft during World War I, terming these fractures aviator's astragalus. Integrity of the talus is integral for proper function of the ankle, subtalar, and transverse tarsal joints. As such, the recognition and appropriate treatment of talar neck fractures are of utmost importance. Furthermore, the talus has a very complex blood supply that may become compromised during fracture of the talar neck. Because of this potential for vascular insult, nonunion and osteonecrosis of the talar body are of real concern with these fractures.