Talus Fractures

Talus Fractures

Talar Neck Fracture

Most talus fractures are due to :

  • High-energy trauma (mva or a fall from height)
  • Injuries from sports ( snowboarding)
    Associated with High rates of Avascular Necrosis based on the fracture pattern

Talar Neck ORIF

Most commonly, the talus breaks in its mid-portion, called the “neck.” The neck is between the “body” of the talus, under the tibia, and the “head” of the talus, located further down the foot

Talar Fracture Post Operative Instructions

Cast:

  • You will have a plaster cast on your ankle for 2 weeks following surgery
  • A fibreglass cast ( below knee) will be worn for 6 weeks
  • At 6 weeks, you will wean off the boot and begin walking in a aircast

Wound:

  • The surgical incision has been closed with sutures
  • Do not get the cast or wound wet for the first two weeks. When showering place a bag over the cast and secure with tape to your leg to avoid the cast and wound getting wet
  • Stitches will be removed at your 2 week appointment
  • After the stitches are removed, you may begin to shower after 2-3 days
  • Do not immerse the foot in water (bath, hot tub, pool) for 4 weeks
  • Do not apply any lotions or creams on the wound for 6 weeks

Weight Bearing:

  • You will be non-weight bearing for the first 6 weeks while in a cast.
  • After 6 weeks you may begin fully walking on the foot in an Aircast
  • You will use a mobility device to offload your foot (crutches, walker, stirrup cast)

Medications:

  • You will be given a prescription for pain medication and Aspirin (blood thinner)
  • Pain medication should be used regularly for the first 24-48 hours, when required for the first 1 to 2 weeks, followed by Regular Tylenol
  • Aspirin should be taken for 14 days (unless you have an allergy to aspirin)

Driving:

  • For right foot surgery you are not permitted to drive until you have completely weaned off the aircast
  • For left foot surgery, please contact your insurance company to see if you are permitted to drive
  • Driving is not permitted while on narcotics

Work:

  • Two weeks off work is recommended for initial recovery
  • If you are able to get to work safely, and will be seated for the majority of the day, you may return to work a couple days after surgery. This is assuming you are not taking narcotic pain mediation.
  • From 2-8 weeks sedentary duties is recommended
  • By 8 weeks you can gradually return to full duties
  • If your job is physically demanding, return to full duties is usually possible around 12 weeks post operatively

Follow Up:

  • You will have your first appointment 2 weeks after surgery in the Fracture Clinic
  • Your next appointments will be at 6 weeks, 3 months then 6 months post operatively
  • You will have x-rays taken at these appointments

Recovery:

  • It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain, numbness, or tingling for the first 2 weeks following surgery
  • Please come to the emergency department if you are suffering from severe pain
  • You will get back to most of your activities by 6-12 months
  • Swelling often remains for 6-12 months
  • Residual stiffness is a normal consequence of ankle fracture

Physiotherapy: