Abstract
Objective The aim of this retrospective multicentre case series was to describe signalment,
presenting signs and imaging findings in dogs with isolated articular fractures of
the talus.
Study Design Medical records (2008–2019) of dogs with isolated articular talar fractures were
reviewed.
Results Fourteen dogs met the inclusion criteria; affected breeds were four German Pointer
(three shorthair and one wirehaired), three Labrador Retrievers, two Rottweilers,
two Springer Spaniels, one cross breed, one Greyhound and one Great Münsterländer.
The age range was 1 to 8 years with a median of 4.7 years. Lameness was usually acute
in onset and had been present for a range of 4 to 540 days prior to referral.
The most common fracture configuration involved the lateral trochlear ridge only (n = 9). Two of the fourteen fractures affected both trochlear ridges. Thirteen dogs
were initially assessed radiographically with classic orthogonal views, but a fracture
was only visible in five cases. The remainder were confirmed with further radiographic
projections (n = 4) or computed tomography (n = 5). In one case, the lameness was located to the tarsus by scintigraphy.
Conclusion Isolated articular fracture of the talus is rare and may prove a diagnostic challenge
due to the varied presentations and complex anatomy of the bone. Pathology of the
talus may be suspected in any case of lameness localized to the tarsus and oblique/skyline
radiographic views or advanced imaging should be performed if standard radiographic
views are unremarkable.
Keywords
talar fracture - tarsal imaging - isolated fractures of the talus - canine talus
