Ankle Case 7 ED Management

Talus fractures are to be made non-weightbearing in a sugar tong splint.  Many of these injuries will require ORIF so patients should be referred for rapid follow up with orthopedic surgery. Any displacement of the fracture fragments >2mm will require surgery. Even with prompt surgical management, common complications, which include avascular necrosis, arthritis, and chronic pain, can occur.

If the plain films are negative but index of suspicion for fracture remains high, the patient can be treated similarly and referred for outpatient repeat imaging or CT scan.