Extra-articular Lateral Talar Dome Osteochondral Fracture: A Case Report and a Review of Literature

The lateral talar dome osteochondral fracture has been described as shallow or wafer-shaped and is more likely to have an associated flake fracture than medial injuries. Displacement into the extracurricular space, however, is a rare occurrence. We present a case of ankle trauma with persistent pain and edema. A CT scan revealed a displaced osteochondral fracture of the lateral dome of the talus and an avulsion fracture of the tip of the medial malleolus. After appropriate dissection and exposure, the fragment was found below the skin, outside the ankle joint capsule. The fragment was fixed to the neck of the talus, and the deltoid ligament and anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament were repaired. After a one-year follow-up, full recovery was achieved without pain, stiffness, or osteonecrosis of the displaced fragment. Although the extra-articular displacement of lateral talar dome osteochondral fractures is rare, it should be considered when assessing ankle trauma.Level of evidence: IV