A rare case of closed total talar dislocation on a background of ankle instability

TL;DR

This paper presents a rare case of total talar dislocation in a middle-aged man with ankle instability, successfully treated without surgery.

Contribution

The novelty lies in the successful closed reduction of a rare total talar dislocation with pre-existing ankle instability.

Findings

Total talar dislocation was managed successfully with closed reduction.

Pre-existing ankle instability was identified as a risk factor in this case.

Radiographic features were classic and aided in diagnosis and follow-up.

Abstract

Total talar dislocation is a rare and potentially devastating ankle injury accounting for 3.4% of all major talar injuries and is often associated with high-energy impact. There is tri-articular dislocation involving the subtalar, talonavicular, and tibiotalar joints. The injury can be open or closed and with or without co-existent fractures. Surgical management can be challenging. We present a rare case of total talar dislocation in a middle-aged male with classic radiographic appearances, pre-existing ankle instability as a risk factor, which was successfully managed with closed reduction. We discuss the key considerations in the radiological and surgical follow-up of these cases.

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