Talar head fracture

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 23 Aug 2021

Talar head fractures are rare fractures that have a high frequency of co-existing foot fractures. 

Talar head fractures account for ~5% (range 2.6-10%) of talar fractures 4.

Talar head fractures are almost always associated with other foot fractures, frequently with peritalar fracture-dislocation and/or Chopart injuries 4.

Four types of talar fractures are described 3,4:

  • impaction/compression fracture, often with significant comminution
  • complete transverse
  • shear fracture
  • avulsion fractures

The fracture may sometimes be difficult to identify on radiographs and CT may be necessary to identify the fracture line 4.

The incidence of avascular necrosis is low due to good vascularity, unlike talar neck fractures 4.

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