The talus is a small bone at the ankle joint that connects the heel bone and the shin bones, enabling the up and down movement of the foot. Fractures in the talus bone may occur due to a fall from great heights, motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries. Symptoms include severe ankle pain, inability to walk, swelling and tenderness.
When you present to the clinic with these symptoms, your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and order an X-ray or CT-scan to diagnose the location and severity of the fracture. Based on the finding, your doctor will treat talus fractures by either non-surgical or surgical methods.
Non-surgical treatment:
If the bone has not moved out of alignment, your doctor will place your ankle in a cast for 6 to 8 weeks. You will be advised to perform exercises to help strengthen your foot and ankle and restore range of motion once the cast is removed.
Surgical treatment:
If the fractured bones have shifted out of position, your surgeon will suggest surgery to realign the fractured bones and stabilize the talus with metal plates and/or screws. After surgery, you may have to wear a cast for 6 to 8 weeks until complete healing. Physical therapy exercises will be initiated to restore movement.
