Extruded talus injuries are associated with significant complications: A double center series with minimum 1-year follow up

Background

Extruded talus (ET) injuries are rare, but high-energy open pantalar dislocations. Literature on these injuries is sparse and optimal treatment protocols are ill defined. The current study documents the clinical and radiological outcomes in cases seen at 2 centers, in an attempt to determine whether surgeons should choose primary reimplantation or primary talectomy and fusion for these injuries.

Methods

Patients with ET injuries were identified from the database of two hospitals. Baseline demographics and treatment details were evaluated, and patients were called for follow-up. Radiological evaluation was conducted, and function was evaluated by the AOFAS hindfoot score. Outcomes and complications were compared between patients who had undergone primary talectomy versus primary reimplantation. Predictors of poor functional outcomes were determined.

Results

Of 23 patients seen by us, 15 were available for follow-up at 45.7 ± 22.2 months. Of these 19 had undergone reimplantation and 4 had talectomy with tibio-calcaneal arthrodesis. The mean percentage AOFAS score was 66.2 ± 14.6 at follow up. AVN was noted in 5, ankle arthrosis in 10, subtalar arthrosis in 4 and infection in 4 cases; no patient needed salvage arthrodesis during this time. There was no difference in baseline demographics, range of motion, AOFAS scores or complication rates between patients undergoing primary reimplantation versus primary talectomy. The number of complications per patient showed a negative, moderate correlation with the AOFAS score (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.6, P value = 0.02).

Conclusion

Despite best treatment, ET injuries result in significant impairment of functional outcomes and complications. Within the numbers available, no difference in outcomes or complication rates was noted between primary reimplantation or talectomy. However, we recommend reimplantation as the treatment of first choice as this offers the chance to salvage the ankle joint and preserves bone stock for future fusion or arthroplasty.