Foot & Ankle Care
The average person walks more than 125,000 miles in a lifetime. Walking this distance over the course of a lifetime requires a person’s feet to be strong and stable.
Fracture of the Talus
Foot & Ankle Specialists At Wisconsin Bone & Joint
The physicians at Wisconsin Bone & Joint utilize cutting-edge technology to assess, diagnose and work with patients to develop innovative treatment plans for a variety of foot and ankle conditions and injuries. Our team of physicians are committed to providing you with the best treatment options to alleviate your foot and ankle pain.
Providing trusted Orthopedic care in the community for over 40+ years
At Wisconsin Bone and Joint, we pride ourselves with providing you highly personalized and comprehensive orthopedic care. Our philosophy of direct physician-to-patient care means your physician will be an intrical part of every stage of your care. This commitment to a dedicated continuum-of-care model has made us one of the most trusted and respected practices in Southeast Wisconsin and greater Milwaukee area.
Fracture of the Talus
What is A Fracture of the Talus?
The talus is a bone that is an important part of the ankle joint. It helps to transfer weight and pressure forces across the ankle point. It is located between the tibia and fibula of the lower leg and the calcaneus or heel bone. The tibia and fibula are situated on top and around the sides of the talus and thus form the ankle joint. At the point where the talus meets the calcaneus, it forms the subtalar joint. This joint is essential for individuals walking on uneven ground.
What Causes A Fracture of the Talus?
Most injuries to the talus are the result of trauma, such as automobile accidents and falls. These injuries are most often associated with injuries to the lower back. Snowboarding accidents also account for an increasing number of talus fractures, especially when a soft boot is used.
What Are The Symptoms of A Fracture of the Talus?
- Swelling around the ankle joint.
- Pain with movement of the ankle.
- Fracture blisters.
- Bruising of the skin.
- Inability to place weight on the joint.
What Are The Treatment Options For A Fracture of the Talus?
Most fractures of the talus do require surgery to reset the bone and help minimize later complications. The orthopaedic surgeon realigns the broken bone with metal screws placed inside the bone. Any small fragments of bone discovered during this procedure will be removed and bone grafts will be used to help restore the shape of the joint.
After surgery, the patient will then be placed in a cast for approximately eight to twelve weeks. The patient will not be allowed to put any weight on the foot for at least two to three months. During healing, the physician may request X-rays or an MRI to be done. This will reveal if the talus bone has a good blood supply.
Even if the bones heal well, arthritis may still develop. Since most of the talus is covered with cartilage, bones are allowed to move smoothly against each other. If the cartilage is damaged, the bones will be forced to rub against each other without that protection. This results in stiffness and pain. Treatment of arthritis includes activity modifications, ankle braces, and either ankle joint fusion or replacement.
Our team is here for you
When conservative care and treatment is appropriate, we offer the best, least invasive, least aggressive treatment options to relieve your pain and discomfort. When an injury is more serious and conservative care is not an option, our orthopedic surgeons provide the latest in innovative surgical interventions available with the goal of getting you back to the life you love. Wisconsin Bone & Joint physicians offer orthopedic services at three convenient locations in Mayfair, Glendale and Cedarburg.