What is a Talus Fracture?

What Causes a Talus Fracture?

The talus carries load between the leg and the rest of the foot, so it can break when a person lands on the heel from a height or is trapped in a road collision. Forceful ankle twisting may create smaller fracture fragments. Much of the bone is covered by joint cartilage, making diagnosis and treatment specialized.

Symptoms

• Rapid swelling around the ankle and top of the foot
• Deep, persistent pain around the talus
• Inability to bear weight or move the foot
• Bruising, tenderness and sometimes ankle deformity

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a CT scan requested for a talus fracture?

X-rays provide the first assessment, but CT shows cracks extending to the joint surfaces and small fragments in greater detail. Nondisplaced fractures may be followed in a cast without weight bearing. Displacement, joint-surface irregularity or skin risk may require surgical fixation.