Minneapolis Talus Fracture Attorney

Talus fractures can lead to chronic pain and life-long consequences. If you have sustained a talus fracture ankle injury due to the negligence of another, it is vital to have your medical expenses and lost wages covered to secure your financial future. Contact Terry, Slane & Ruohonen today, at 612-362-0000, for expert representation.

Talus Fracture

The talus (TAY-lus) bone is a key bone in the ankle joint. It is an important connector between the leg and foot and involved in multiple planes of movement. The majority of talus fractures occur in high-speed motor vehicle accidents or severe falls. A talus fracture is accompanied by swelling, bruising, severe pain, and inability to bear weight.

There are many complications with a talus fracture. The two major complications are arthritis and osteonecrosis (death of bone tissue). More than half of the bone is covered with cartilage and when the talus is broken the cartilage sustains injury. The smooth cartilage surface becomes rough, leading to accelerated wear in the joint. This will allow arthritis to develop.

Osteonecrosis is common in talus fractures due to the fact the talus does not have a good blood supply. When there is an insufficient blood supply, it is difficult for the fracture to heal. This can lead to nonunion and even bone collapse. Surgery may be required to align the bone fragments and stabilize the fracture, but without an adequate blood supply complications may persist.

Talus Fracture Treatment

If a talus fracture is suspected, x-rays will be taken of the foot and ankle to pinpoint the location of the fracture. A CT scan may be necessary if the x-rays are inconclusive. The imaging will help the doctor determine whether the bones are aligned. Imaging will also reveal if bone chips are present that may need to be surgically removed.

The goal of surgery is to maximize the movement of the ankle and subtalar joints, align the bone fragments, and prevent extensive arthritis. After surgery, the ankle will be immobilized in a cast for 6-8 weeks. The ankle must not bear weight for at least 3 months.

Minneapolis Talus Fracture Attorney

Contact our Minneapolis Talus Fracture Attorneys today at 612-362-0000. Our partners have decades of combined experience handling complex medical personal injury cases.