Talar Neck Malunion

Course Overview

This lecture provides a comprehensive review of talar neck malunions, emphasizing the relationship between fracture displacement, vascular insult, and long-term outcomes. It reviews the Hawkins–Canale classification, talar vascular anatomy, and the role of imaging—highlighting CT as the gold standard for defining malunion and Canale views for assessing coronal plane deformity. The biomechanical consequences of malunion are detailed, particularly varus shortening of the talar neck, which decreases the talocalcaneal angle, locks the subtalar joint in inversion, and produces cavovarus deformity with lateral column overload. Surgical decision-making is framed around joint salvage versus arthrodesis, with corrective talar neck osteotomy indicated when deformity is correctable and arthritis is not end-stage. The lecture concludes with a case-based demonstration of medial opening wedge talar neck osteotomy, reinforcing principles of length restoration, closed-chain pronation, and staged salvage options when full correction is not achieved.

Learning Objectives

Describe the vascular anatomy of the talus and explain how Hawkins fracture patterns correlate with avascular necrosis risk

Identify common talar neck malunion patterns and explain their biomechanical effects on subtalar and hindfoot alignment

Formulate an evidence-based surgical plan for talar neck malunion, distinguishing indications for corrective osteotomy versus arthrodesis

Components

This course provides for 0.35 CME

Estimated time to complete the activity - The program will take approximately 0.35 hours to complete

The course was originally released in 2026

There is a post assessment quiz and a survey at the end of the event. A score of 76% or better is required to pass the course


			Course Staff

About the Speaker

Brittany Staples, DPM

Dr. Staples received her podiatric degree from the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. She received her medical and surgical residency training in St. Louis through SSM Health where she received comprehensive forefoot, rearfoot & ankle reconstructive surgical training. She held the position of Chief Resident in her third year. She is double board certified by ABFAS & ABPM. She has been published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery as well as participating in and authoring several books and articles on foot and ankle deformities and reconstruction. She is currently an attending physician for the residency program at SSM Health DePaul Hospital. She is certified in techniques such as total ankle replacements, and all trauma and sports injury repair techniques.

Compliance Statement

In accordance with the Council on Podiatric Medical Education's Standards and Requirements for Accreditation of Providers of Continuing Education in Podiatric Medicine, any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests of faculty, planning committee, or any others who have influence over the content of this educational activity must be disclosed to program participants. Neither the speaker nor the planning committee have any commercial interests to disclose. No commercial interest provided financial support for this educational activity. CME Online is accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. CME Online has accreditedthis activity for a maximum of 0.35 continuing education contact hours.

CMEonline: 02-07-2026Rearfoot10 Talar Neck Malunion - Brittany Staples, DPM

Talar Neck Malunion - Brittany Staples, DPM