An unusual fracture of the talus in a snowboarder.

Abstract

Fractures of the talus are uncommon. However, snow- boarding and skateboarding are 2 activities that are specifically associated with talus fractures. These patients sustain occult lateral talus process fractures that present as a severe ankle injury. The diagnosis is difficult because of subtle clinical and plain radiographic findings. Computed tomography is a very useful tool for the assessment of these injuries. Although the majority of these athletes have lateral sided talus fractures, there are variants. We present an unusual case of a displaced intra-articular fracture of the subtalar joint involving the middle articular facet of the talus with extension of the fracture into the talar head. This highlights the importance of carefully assessing snowboarders' "ankle injuries."