Der Unfallchirurg
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Some of the peculiarities of the anatomy of the talus are of special interest: the lack of muscle insertions, the vulnerability of the blood supply, and the fact that about 60% of the surface is covered by hyaline cartilage. This implies that most of the fractures are intra-articular. In 1983, the results of 262 talus fractures were published. ⋯ Absence of subchondral atrophy in the early months and then later density of the dead bone and atrophy of the surrounding bones imply avascular necrosis. Dislocations around the talus without fractures are classified into three types: talocrural dislocation (i.e., luxatio pedis cum talo), subtalar dislocation (i.e., luxatio pedis sub talo), and the extremely unusual total dislocation of the talar body. The dislocations should be reduced promptly to avoid breakdown of the skin and distal circulatory compromise.
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Maintenance therapy of the traumatized foot by partial amputation, in contrast to lower-leg amputation with subsequent artificial leg adjustment, should always be attempted if there is any possibility of shaping a stump that is independent of the prosthesis. As in former years, the disarticulation technique is performed; however, today the technique has been modified to obtain more functional results and to conserve tissue, which may mean that transosseous amputation is practicable. The quality of the soft-tissue flap and stability are the determining factors in the quality of the stump. These prerequisites mean that the operative technique must be adapted to the requirements of the patients; the soft tissue must be preserved and procedures used that will permit reconstructive procedures later.