Fractures of The Talus—Differences Between Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Even though there is no apparent difference in the cause of the trauma leading to fractures of the talus, adolescents present with more severe fractures of the talus compared with children younger than 12 years. In addition, we did not observe persistent osteonecrosis in patients younger than 12 years old, and the outcome is favorable in most cases irrespective of the mode of treatment.

Talar Fractures in Children: A Possible Injury After Go-Karting Accidents

“…Complications included avascular necrosis, arthritis, non-or delayed union, and neuropraxia (5). Talar fractures were more common and more severe in older children, consistent with the findings from Eberl et al (6). Two cases of avascular necrosis occurred (7%).…”

“…Nondisplaced talar fractures can usually be treated successfully with closed reduction (3,6,8,9). However, cases of avascular necrosis have been described in minimally displaced talar fractures (10,11).…”

“…In cases of displaced talar fractures, reduction, followed by internal screw fixation, is advised. However, osteonecrosis is rare in children <12 years old, and the outcome might be independent of the method of treatment (6). In the case of a child who remains symptomatic after the initial treatment of a talar fracture, other rarer complications should be considered; for example, nonunion of the fracture (4) or a loose osteochondral body (12) or bone fragments (13) in the ankle.…”

Fractures of the Foot and Ankle in Children

“…The incidence increases with increasing Hawkins grade in the adult population, but is not accurately known in children because of the rarity of these fractures. There is some evidence that it is more common in children older than 12 years [11].…”

Fracture Bilateral Talus in Children

“…Although there is no apparent difference in the cause of the trauma leading to fractures of the talus, adolescents present with more severe fractures of the talus compared with younger children [6]. The problem with paediatric displaced talar fractures is not only incongruity of subtalar joint, but also shortening of medial column of foot which results in hindfoot varus, forefoot adduction and supination.…”