Total talar replacement for metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma of the talus: A case report

TL;DR

A 48-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer to the talus underwent total talar replacement surgery, which helped restore his ability to walk and manage pain.

Contribution

This case report demonstrates that total talar replacement is an effective surgical option for localized talar metastases.

Findings

Total talar replacement allowed the patient to begin full weight-bearing ambulation two weeks post-surgery.

The procedure improved the patient's activities of daily living despite prior radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Early surgical intervention is recommended for talar metastases to preserve function and relieve pain.

Abstract

Talar metastases from malignant tumors are rare and poorly documented. Treatment requires gradual relief of pain and preservation of function, with a choice between palliative measures and surgery. This case indicates that total talar replacement is an effective intervention for localized talar metastases and highlights the importance of early intervention. A 48‐year‐old man was diagnosed with a pathologic talar fracture due to talar metastases was observed after 8 years of chemotherapy following a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Despite radiotherapy, the patient's activities of daily living (ADLs) deteriorated due to pain on walking, prompting a request for surgical intervention. Total talar replacement was performed, allowing the patient to begin full weight‐bearing ambulation 2 weeks post‐operatively. Total talar replacement appears to be an effective treatment for localized talar metastases and should be performed as early as possible.

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