title: [Operative treatment of displaced talar neck fractures with absorbable lag screw].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study a new kind of operation for displaced talar neck fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  From April 1996 to March 2001, 9 talar neck fractures were treated by internal fixation of absorbable lag screw with a medial approach and cut of medial malleolus to expose the fractures. A non-weight-bearing below-knee cast was applied for 6 to 12 weeks after operation. Once union of the fracture site is apparent, the patient should remain non-weight bearing in a removable short-leg and keep exercise every day.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the patients received follow-up from 15 to 60 months with an average of 28 months. The fractures healed from 20 to 42 weeks. The excellent and good rate of function was 77.8% (7/9) according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score(AOFAS). One case had the complication of superficial infection of wound and skin edge necrosis after operation, which was Hawkins type III. Late complication included two cases of avascular necrosis(AVN). Among them, one AVN of Hawkins type II was caused by early weight-bearing five weeks after operation and gained the fair score. The other AVN of Hawkins type III was inefficient to conservative therapy and proceeded ankle fusion in the end. The AOFAS of the patient was bad.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment of talar neck fractures by internal fixation of absorbable lag screw with a medial approach is an ideal method. It can gain a satisfactory result by the operation, strict postoperative care and rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Traumatic Orthopedic Department, General Hospital of Jinan Military Command, Jinan, Shandong, P. R. China 250031.
authors.forename: Li-feng
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Jin-fang
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liang
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013628:Talus / Q000293:injuries*; D013640:Tarsal Joints