A broken talus, the ankle bone that sits above your heel
A foot and ankle trauma surgeon explains talus fractures
The talus is the bone wedged between your shinbone and your heel bone. It allows your ankle to bend up and down and helps your foot adjust on uneven ground. A hard crash can break the talus or knock nearby joints out of place. Many breaks where the pieces have shifted need surgery. The crash can also harm the bone’s blood supply, which may cause healing problems later on. Even if your foot looks normal after surgery, you still need follow up visits. [1, 2]
Your fracture and the risk to its blood supply
Ask which part of the talus broke. Find out if the ankle or the joint just below it was dislocated. Go over what the CT scan showed and whether the bone was put back where it belongs. Ask how the team will watch for healing, lost blood flow to the bone and later arthritis. Hold on to your scan results and surgery summary for future foot care. [1, 2]
Guard the foot through a long recovery
Get a clear answer on how much weight, if any, the foot can bear. Being in a boot or cast doesn’t by itself tell you walking is OK. Have a therapist check how you handle stairs and the walking aid you’ll use at home. They should also check transfers, such as moving from bed to chair. [1, 2]
Ask when you can start moving your ankle. Also find out when new images will help decide if your weight limit can change. If the plan is hard to follow, say so. The team can help you find a safe alternative. [1, 2]
Call about changes in your skin or blood flow
Get urgent care for a cold or pale foot or new, severe numbness. Losing movement in your toes or pain that rises fast also needs urgent care. Contact your surgical team for a draining wound, a fever, a splint that presses or new blisters on the skin. Stiffness or pain that shows up later should be checked. It may point to a joint or healing problem that can be treated. [1, 2]
What to ask the foot team
- Are the ankle and lower foot joints lined up?
- What exactly is my rule for putting weight on this foot?
- How will you keep track of healing and blood supply?
Get your scan date and weight limit on paper
Sources and further reading
- 1American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons talus fractures
- 2Orthopaedic Trauma Association talus fracture
Meant for general learning, from a foot and ankle trauma surgeon’s point of view. A broken talus can affect the joint surfaces and the bone’s blood supply. Follow your own instructions for surgery, wound care and putting weight on the foot.
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