title: Bipartite talus: a case series and algorithm for treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bipartite talus is a rare condition of uncertain aetiology, with various treatment options described.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report five symptomatic bipartite talus cases in four male patients warranting surgical management. All patients were reviewed by an independent assessor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The youngest patient presented with bilateral lesions without sub-talar arthrosis. He was treated twice by internal fixation with bone grafting. The left side failed to unite. The second patient presented with isolated sub-talar osteoarthritis. He underwent fragment excision and sub-talar arthrodesis with bone graft. The third patient presented aged 55 with severe hind-foot osteoarthritis, and underwent tibio-talar-calcaneal fusion. The final patient was treated with fragment excision and sub-talar arthrodesis. All patients reported symptom improvement or resolution post-operatively. Four cases showed evidence of radiographic union.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We suggest a treatment rationale of fragment fusion if large enough, or excision if not, with associated limited fusion if the adjacent joints are markedly degenerate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, St. Peters Road, Margate, Kent CT9 4AN, UK. barryrose@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Southgate
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Louette
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002648:Child; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013628:Talus / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult