Anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation of fractures of the
talar neck allow early mobilization of the ankle and subtalar joints. Forty
fresh tali from cadavera were fractured across the talar neck and were
internally fixed with one of four methods. The specimens were again loaded
to failure, and mean yield loads, yield deformations, stiffness, and energy
absorbed were compared. The two configurations of screws that were inserted
posterior to anterior provided yield loads superior to those of screws
inserted anterior to posterior. All combinations of screws were stronger
than Kirschner wires. Comparisons of yield deformations, stiffness, and
energy absorbed corroborated these results. The calculated theoretical
maximum shear force across the talar neck during active motion was 1129
newtons. This exceeded the strength that was provided by Kirschner wires
and anteriorly inserted screws but not that provided by screws that were
placed posteriorly.