Functional Outcomes Following Displaced Talar Neck Fractures

Objectives: To determine the outcome of displaced talar neck fractures at long-term follow-up in terms of functional outcome and secondary reconstructive surgery.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Academic level 1 trauma center.

Patients: Seventy patients with displaced talar neck fractures.

Intervention: All patients were treated with open reduction and screw fixation.

Main Outcome Measurements: Functional outcome of patients who did not require secondary surgery was assessed using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale score, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score. The incidence of secondary reconstructive hindfoot surgery, including arthrodesis or talectomy, was measured using life table analysis.

Results: Mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment score was 20 +/- 18 out of 100, with a lower score indicative of better outcome; mean Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale score was 3.8 +/- 2.4 out of 10 (lower score better); and mean Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score was 71 +/- 19 out of 100 points (higher score better). The incidence of secondary reconstructive surgery increased from 24 +/- 5% at 1 year to 48 +/- 10% at 10 years postinjury.

Conclusions: Functional outcome varied and was most dependent upon the development of complications. The incidence of secondary reconstructive surgery following talar neck fractures increased over time and was most commonly performed to treat subtalar arthritis or misalignment.