OBJECTIVETo explore clinical outcomes of talus neck fracture treated with mini-plate internal fixation through dual-incision approaches.

METHODSFrom August 2010 to February 2013,18 patients with closed talus neck fractures were treated (10 males and 8 females, aged from 31 to 66 years old with an average of 38.2 years old) with mini-plate internal fixation through dual-incision approaches. According to Hawkins classification, 12 cases were type II and 6 cases were type III. All cases were evaluated with X-ray and 3D CT scan preoperatively to define type and comminuted degree of fractures. Mini-plate fixation with dual-incision approaches was performed after swelling was resolved. X-ray films were taken during following up regularly. Functional evaluation was carried out according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the ankle and hind-foot score of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Complications were also recorded.

RESULTSSixteen patients were followed up with an average time of 22.6 months (ranged, 17 to 46 months). No wound infection, skin and flap necrosis or implant failure were found. Traumatic arthritis in subtalarjoint was found in 1 patient. Preoperative VAS (5.94±1.12) was decreased to postoperative (1.06±1.06) (t=27.13, P<0.05). The average AOFAS score was 88.7510.19 at the latest following up; and 11 cases obtained excellent results, 3 good and 2 moderate.

CONCLUSIONMini-plate fixation with dual-incision approaches for talus neck fracture especially for talus neck comminuted fracture, an effective method, could obtain stable fixation, decrease complications.