Partial Hawkins sign in fractures of the talus: a report of three cases.
OBJECTIVE
We introduce the concept of the partial Hawkins sign in three cases of talar neck fracture that are associated with incomplete avascular necrosis. Our objective is to call attention to the intraosseous blood supply of the talar body, which can be interrupted by fractures to produce patterns of incomplete avascular necrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the Hawkins sign does not always have to be complete. Fractures of the talus occasionally can lead to partial avascular necrosis because of the disruption of end arteries within the body of the talus, even without subluxation or dislocation. Early recognition of the partial Hawkins sign should lead to MRI evaluation that can more readily define the involvement of the talar body and assist the treating physician in recommending when the patient can bear weight.
Tehranzadeh
Jamshid
J
Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine College of Medicine, Orange, CA 92868-3298, USA.
Stuffman
Eric
E
Ross
Steven D K
SD
D000328:Adult; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D013628:Talus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*