Talar neck fracture

Case contributed by Weiling Tan
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Right foot caught in dorsiflexion at a spin class

Patient Data

Age: 45 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Undisplaced fracture of the medial malleolus extends laterally involving the articular surface.
Undisplaced fracture of the super medial aspect of the talar neck.

ct

An undisplayed talar neck fracture is seen. Consistent with findings of Hawkins type I talar neck fracture.

Case Discussion

Talar neck fractures are often associated with high energy mechanisms 1 as in this case when the patient was pedalling at a high speed before her foot was caught in the stationary bicycle.

The Canale view was performed with a 15 degree internal rotation of the affected foot, with a 15 degree cephalic beam (from perpendicular to image receptor) towards the talus. The radiograph demonstrated a cortical break in the superomedial aspect of the talar neck.

A CT foot was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of a Hawkins type I talar neck fracture.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.