Snowboarder's talus fracture: treatment outcome of 20 cases after 3.5 years.
BACKGROUND
Fracture of the lateral process of the talus is a typical snowboarding injury. Basic data are limited, particularly with respect to treatment and outcome.


OBJECTIVE
As the axial-loaded dorsiflexed foot becomes externally rotated and/or everted, fracture of the lateral process of the talus occurs. Primary surgical treatment may improve the outcome of this injury, reducing the risk of secondary subtalar joint osteoarthritis.


METHODS
Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.


METHODS
We recorded details of the treatment and evaluation of 20 patients (8 female and 12 male; age at trauma, 29 years [range, 17-48 years]) who sustained a lateral process of the talus fracture while snowboarding. The injury pathomechanism was documented. The patients were treated either nonsurgically or surgically based on a fracture-type treatment algorithm. The evaluation at most recent follow-up (mean, 42 months [range, 26-53 months]) included clinical and functional examination, follow-up of sport activity, and radiological assessment (radiograph, computed tomography scan).


RESULTS
The injury mechanism included axial impact (100%), dorsiflexion (95%), external rotation (80%), and eversion (45%). Using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score, the patients obtained a mean of 93 points; the surgically treated group (n = 14) scored higher (97 points) than did the nonoperative group (n = 6; 85 points) (P < .05). Degenerative disease of the subtalar joint was found in 3 patients (15%; operative, 1 patient; nonoperative, 2 patients). All but 4 (20%, all after nonsurgical treatment) patients reached the same sport activity level as before injury.


CONCLUSIONS
The snowboarding-related lateral process of the talus fracture represents a complex hindfoot injury. In type II fractures, primary surgical treatment has led to achieving better outcomes, reducing sequelae, and allowing patients to regain the same sports activity level as before injury.
Valderrabano
Victor
V
Orthopaedic Traumatology Clinic, Hospital of Davos, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland. v.valderrabano@bluewin.ch
Perren
Thomas
T
Ryf
Christian
C
Rillmann
Paavo
P
Hintermann
Beat
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012865:Skiing; D013628:Talus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome