Management of 3 month old neglected talus neck fracture: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Talus fractures are extremely uncommon, accounting for approximately 1 % of foot and ankle fractures. The talar neck fracture has a high probability of damaging the anastomotic ring, which would interrupt blood circulation to talar body and cause serious issues with fracture healing and integrity. Due to insufficient radiological and clinical examination, approximately 39 % of midfoot and ankle fractures could be undiagnosed after initial evaluation. Talus fractures account for about half of these missed fractures. Anatomic reduction and advanced fixation methods can be performed in the management of neglected talus neck fracture for the purpose of improving functional outcome. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old male patient presented with swelling and pain on the right foot while walking for three months. He had previously fallen about two meters from stairs three months back. Instead of going to the hospital, he received conventional massage therapy. Three months later, he came to us complaining of chronic, dull aching, swelling, and continuous pain when walking and standing. After radiology evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with neglected nonunion type III Hawkins fracture of the neck talus and managed by double incision approach, Iliac crest cancellous bone graft, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with cannulated screw. He was able to return to full weight bearing and his previous activity without experiencing any pain after 14 months. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with Iliac crest cancellous bone graft is a reliable methods for neglected non-union type III Hawkins fracture of neck talus with great functional outcomes after 14 months of follow up.