Year: 2026 | Month: February | Volume: 13 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 328-335
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260232
Between Necrosis and Recovery: The Long Journey of a Devastating Talar Neck Injury
I Gede Made Satya Wangsa1, I Gusti Ngurah Paramartha Wijaya Putra2
1Resident of Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University-Prof IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital, Bali, Indonesia,
2Orthopaedic Surgeon, Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University-Prof IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital, Bali, Indonesia
Corresponding Author: I Gede Made Satya Wangsa
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Talar neck fractures represent rare yet significant injuries, accounting for a minor proportion of skeletal fractures. These fractures carry a substantial risk of adverse outcomes, including avascular necrosis (AVN) and post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which demand precise surgical intervention and extended clinical monitoring.
Objective: This case report describes the one-year clinical and radiological results for a 24-year-old male who underwent surgical treatment for a Hawkins type II talar neck fracture accompanied by talonavicular dislocation.
Case Presentation: Following a fall, a 24-year-old male presented with a right ankle injury. Diagnostic imaging revealed a displaced talar neck fracture with associated talonavicular dislocation, classified as Hawkins type II. The patient was treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via combined medial and lateral approaches. Over twelve months of follow-up, he achieved full functional recovery and resumed all pre-injury activities without pain. Sequential radiographic assessment confirmed maintained anatomical reduction and absence of AVN or degenerative joint changes.
Conclusion: Favorable outcomes in displaced talar neck fractures depend on anatomical restoration and rigid internal fixation. This case highlights the value of a structured surgical strategy and reinforces the need for sustained postoperative surveillance to identify late complications that may arise long after surgery.
Keywords: Hawkins classification, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), talar neck, talonavicular dislocation, talus fracture.
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