Talus is one of the bones of the foot that forms the lower part of the ankle joint. Its main function is transferring of body weight to the surface of the foot: scaphoid, calcaneus and cuboid bones. The talus can be divided into three parts: the body, the head and the neck. Talus is covered with a articular cartilage.
Aseptic necrosis (“avascular osteonecrosis”) is a severe degenerative joint disease that is accompanied by tissue necrosis. Such necrosis is also called ischemic because it occurs due to insufficient blood supply. And since necrosis occurs without the participation of microorganisms, the term “aseptic” is used. Focal bone infarction can be secondary or idiopathic, i.e. arising for an unknown reason. Most often, this pathology develops with a fracture of talus located between tibia and calcaneus bone of the foot.
Aseptic talus necrosis (fragment of detached cartilage)
Causes
In approximately 25% of patients, the cause of aseptic necrosis of talus cannot be precisely determined. Among the identified causes, there are:
It has now been established that only a combination of several causes can provoke this disease. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, Gaucher disease, lupus, sickle cell anemia increase the risk of osteonecrosis. Necrosis can begin against the background of severe fatigue or nervous tension.
Stages of avascular necrosis of the talus
Symptoms of the disease
Pain, lameness, and over time, impaired joint function (limitation of movement) suggest the presence of osteonecrosis. The intensification of pain with aseptic necrosis occurs gradually, but most patients remember well when it first appeared.
Diagnostics
To diagnose aseptic necrosis and find out the stage of the disease, different methods are used:
But an X-ray examination in the early stages of osteonecrosis does not allow you to see any pathology. That is why magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography are considered mandatory, which allow you to identify this disease at any stage with almost one hundred percent accuracy.
MRI and x-ray with aseptic necrosis of the talus
Treatment
Methods of treating aseptic necrosis are divided into conservative and surgical. With the help of conservative treatment, you can slow down the progression of the disease, it involves:
Unfortunately, it is impossible to stop the development of osteonecrosis, even detected at the earliest stages. Today, there are no drugs and medical devices that can positively affect the course of the disease. Surgery is the only way to significantly alleviate the condition of the patient.
When talus is damaged, the following types of operations are performed:
The decision about which operation is necessary is made by the attending physician with the consent of the patient.
It is important not to endure the pain and hope that it will pass, but to consult a doctor on time. And then it will be possible to quickly restore joint function.