title: Fracture of the lateral tubercle of the posterior talar process caused by a rock-climbing fall: a case report.
abstract: The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical presentation of a patient who suffered from a fracture of the lateral tubercle of the posterior talar process caused by a fall while rock-climbing. The initial evaluation revealed diffuse ankle swelling, tenderness, and pain at the distal aspect of both malleoli. Plain film radiography revealed a fracture of the posterior process of the talus. Computed tomography (CT) outlined the extension of the fracture line in the postero-lateral aspect of the body of the talus with minimal displacement. The patient was treated conservatively with an Aircast© walking boot for 6 weeks (non-weight-bearing) followed by a 2-week period of partial weight bearing. At the 8 week follow-up, he reported minimal tenderness and normal ankle function. Clinicians should be aware that talar fracture identification on plain films is difficult and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be required.
authors.affiliation: Public Health PhD Program, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC.
authors.forename: Marc-André
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Blanchette
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Chiropractic, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC.
authors.forename: Julie-Marthe
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Grenier
keywords: athletic injuries; diagnostic imaging; radiology; rock-climbing; talus