Influence of intraoperative conventional fluoroscopy versus cone beam CT on long-term clinical outcome in isolated displaced talar fractures

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to compare the radiologic and clinical outcome of patients with an isolated displaced talus fracture treated intra-operatively with either conventional fluoroscopy or additional cone beam computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Conventional intraoperative fluoroscopy was performed in group 1 and cone beam CT was added in group 2. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI), American Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, and the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) survey. In addition, the Kellgren-Lawrence score using X-rays was determined. RESULTS: Overall, 24 cases were examined (group 1: 8 cases; group 2: 16 cases), with a mean follow up of 6.66 years. The FFI (group 1: 28.85 ± 22.78; group 2: 14.96 ± 15.11 points; p = 0.768), the AOFAS (group 1: 69.00 ± 24.71; group 2: 78.79 ± 17.07 points; p = 0.438), and the physical and mental component of the SF-12 (group 1: 44.79 ± 12.55; group 2: 47.63 ± 10.69 points; p = 0.136) (group 1: 46.19 ± 9.72; group 2: 53.57 ± 8.51; p = 0.242) did not differ significantly. Osteoarthritis of the talonavicular, subtalar, and ankle joints assessed using the Kellgren-Lawrence score appeared to be minor in the cone beam CT group but did not show significant differences (p = 0.309; p = 0.663; p = 0.082 respectively). DISCUSSION: Intraoperative cone beam CT in addition to conventional fluoroscopy might be beneficial in the operative treatment of talar fractures but a statistical significance could not be demonstrated.