Imaging of fractures of the lateral process of the talus, a frequently missed diagnosis.
Although if fractures of the lateral process of the talus (LPT) have been considered rare the widespread diffusion in snowboard practice has resulted in a dramatic increase in their frequency. If unrecognized they can result in secondary osteoarthritis of the ankle and/or talo-calcaneal joints and chronic pain and stiffness. Due to the complex anatomy of the region, these fractures are difficult to detect by standard radiographs. A high degree of suspicion is then necessary to diagnose them. Once suspected on the basis of physical examination and/or non concluding radiographs, computed tomography (CT) is the best modality to confirm the diagnosis and accurately appreciate the number of the fragments and their position which have therapeutic consequences (medical vs. surgical treatment). A better knowledge of these lesions seems necessary to the general radiologist to allow an early diagnosis in order to avoid chronic sequel. The purpose of this article is to report three additional cases of LPT fractures and discuss their pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
Bonvin
Florent
F
Département de Radiologie, Division de Radiodiagnostic et Radiologie Interventionnelle, Hôpital cantonal Universitaire de Genève, Rue Micheli-du-Crest 24, CH-1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
Montet
Xavier
X
Copercini
Michele
M
Martinoli
Carlo
C
Bianchi
Stefano
S
D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D017844:Lateral Ligament, Ankle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis; D013628:Talus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed