A Case Report of an Open Pan-Talar Dislocation

Abstract

Total talar extrusion is a rare injury that most commonly occurs secondary to high-energy trauma. There are few reported cases of open dislocations in literature and still, there is no consensus regarding the appropriate treatment of the extruded talus. In this case report, we present a 12-month follow-up of a patient with an open talar dislocation with extrusion treated with immediate surgical debridement, reduction and temporary fixation with one Steinmann pin. No infection was reported, although the patient developed avascular necrosis.

Keywords: avascular necrosis; foot injury; open injury; talar dislocation.

Figure 1. Clinical photograph of the right ankle demonstrating a total extrusion of the talus bone through an anterolateral open wound (arrow)

Figure 2. Preoperative antero-posterior radiograph of the right ankle demonstrating pan-talar dislocation (arrow)

Figure 3. Preoperative lateral radiograph of the right ankle demonstrating pan-talar dislocation (arrow)

Figure 4. Postoperative antero-posterior radiograph of the right ankle demonstrating proper reduction of the talar dislocation and stabilization by the use of a Steinmann pin

Figure 5. A lateral radiograph of the right ankle demonstrating signs of avascular necrosis of the talus (arrow)