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.
