Peritalar dislocations

Peritalar dislocations are rare lesions resulting from high-energy injury. Medial dislocation is the most frequent (80% in our study); lateral dislocation presents less commonly and with worse results.From 1976 to 2000, 14 cases of peritalar dislocations were treated in our department (11 medial and three lateral). There were nine men and five women. The average age was 34 years.The eight open dislocations (five medial, three lateral dislocations) received surgical emergency treatment and then a plaster cast for 4–6 weeks.Closed reduction was used in six cases followed by a plaster cast for 4 weeks.The average follow-up was 6 years.Eight cases (57%) were considered “good,” two “fair,” and four cases “poor.” Closed reduction is the best treatment for most peritalar dislocations provided it is recognized immediately. Surgery is indicated in open dislocations or after the failure of closed reduction.Avascular necrosis is a rare complication (no case in our study); degenerative arthritis is common (43%).