RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of Hawkins' classification for fractures of the neck of the talus. METHODS: 20 random cases of fracture of the talus were selected, to be defined according to the classification of types by eight orthopedic surgeons, 13 orthopedic residents and 15 radiology residents. RESULTS: Using the statistical test of Landis and Koch, measurements of 0.627 and 0.668 were obtained in the first and second evaluations, respectively. These values define a satisfactory agreement for Hawkins' classification. CONCLUSION: We conclude that this classification is reproducible between observers, with better values for the more experienced observers. Level of Evidence I, Study Diagnostic - Investigating a diagnostic test.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, functional and radiographic results from talar neck fractures in patients treated at the Foot and Ankle Surgery Group of Santa Casa de Sao Paulo. METHOD: We evaluated 20 patients. The mean follow-up time was 71 months. One fracture was classified as Hawkins Type I, 12 as Hawkins type II, five as Hawkins type III, two as Hawkins type IV and four fractures were open. RESULTS: One patient was treated conservatively, 16 were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (three with primary subtalar arthrodesis), one was treated with talectomy and two with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. The reduction obtained was anatomical in seven feet, acceptable in six feet and poor in four. Seven patients had early complications. There was one case of delayed consolidation and four of talar body osteonecrosis. Four patients required secondary reconstruction procedures. No significant radiographic impairment of the ankle joint was found in 62% of the patients and of the subtalar joint in 25%. Of the patients who did not undergo secondary procedures, 81% complained about the treated foot, 37.5% showed some deformity, 44% presented diminished sensitivity and 50% had to retire from work. The mean loss of motion in the ankle was 49%, and in the subtalar joint, 80%. The average AOFAS score was 73 points. CONCLUSION: Talar neck fractures are associated with high rates of clinical, functional and radiographic complications.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Talar neck and body fractures are unusual fractures. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of long term results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out including 11 patients that underwent surgical treatment for body or neck talus fractures between January 1997 and December 2005. Final follow-up examination included a clinical evaluation (AOFAS score) and standard radiographs. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 58.5 months. The prevalence of associated fractures was 60% (6/10). Overall AOFAS score averaged 72 [19-100]. Avascular necrosis and post-traumatic arthritis were present in half of the patients. Quality of surgical reduction, body fractures and absence of degenerative changes were correlated with better functional results. Neck fractures, osteonecrosis and posttraumatic arthritis led to inferior results. CONCLUSION: There is a great potential for long term functional impairment due to posttraumatic arthritis and chronic pain in this kind of fracture. Anatomic surgical reduction is the best chance to avoid them but it is not infallible. The avascular necrosis rate correlates with initial fracture displacement, but its occurrence in each specific case is unpredictable.