Plate fixation of talar neck fractures: preliminary review of a new technique in twenty-three patients.
OBJECTIVE
To describe an unreported technique of fixation for talar neck fractures.


METHODS
Retrospective review and telephone interview of patients with fractures of the talar neck (OTA 72-A1.2, 72-A1.3, 72-C2).


METHODS
Level-one trauma center with six trauma surgeons.


METHODS
Twenty-three patients treated with minifragment plates over a four-year period. Follow-up intervals were an average of twenty months.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.
Fleuriau Chateau
P B
PB
Department of Orthopaedics, Montfort Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.
Brokaw
D S
DS
Jelen
B A
BA
Scheid
D K
DK
Weber
T G
TG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013628:Talus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*