Pedobarography shows no differences in gait after talar fractures

BACKGROUND Fractures of the talus often lead to permanent restrictions of the affected limb. Possible alterations after these fractures in gait have not been evaluated yet. OBJECTIVE To evaluate possible alterations of gait by pedybarography after talar fractures. METHODS We conducted a retrospective single-centre study at a level I trauma center. Twenty patients with operatively treated talar fractures were followed up. Objective and subjective function of the ankle was measured using range of motion, clinical scores and dynamic pedobarography (emed-M; Novel, Germany). RESULTS There were 11 talar neck and 9 talar body fractures. All patients received screw fixation. There was a significant reduction in range of motion. The outcome was moderate to satisfying and the severity of the injury correlated with the clinical outcome and the range of motion. The presence of posttraumatic arthritis and joint incongruity lead to a decreased function of ankle and subtalar joint and resulted in a worse clinical outcome. AVN rate was associated to initial displacement. Dynamic pedobarography showed no significant changes in gait pattern. CONCLUSIONS Fractures of the talus lead to dissatisfaction, pain and malfunction. However, a change in gait pattern could not be proved.