Arthroscopically assisted fixation of Hawkins type II talar neck fractures

Aims Arthroscopically controlled fracture reduction in combination with percutaneous screw fixation may be an alternative approach to open surgery to treat talar neck fractures. The purpose of this study was thus to present preliminary results on arthroscopically reduced talar neck fractures. Patients and Methods A total of seven consecutive patients (four women and three men, mean age 39 years (19 to 61)) underwent attempted surgical treatment of a closed Hawkins type II talar neck fracture using arthroscopically assisted reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. Functional and radiological outcome were assessed using plain radiographs, as well as weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing CT scans as tolerated. Patient satisfaction and pain sensation were also recorded. Results Primary reduction was obtained arthroscopically in all but one patient, for whom an interposed fracture fragment had to be removed through a small arthrotomy to permit anatomical reduction. The quality of arthroscopic reduction and r...