Foot & Ankle
Talus Fracture
Non-Operative management
About Your Injury
The talus sits between the heel bone and leg bones, forming part of the ankle and subtalar joint. Minimally displaced fractures can often be treated without surgery.
Non-Operative Management
Selected talus fractures can be safely and effectively managed without surgery. The decision is individualised to each patient, based on patient factors (age, comorbidities, occupation) and fracture characteristics (displacement, joint involvement, blood supply).
Recovery Timeline
Weeks 0–6
Cast or boot, strict non-weight-bearing.
Weeks 6–10
Repeat X-ray to confirm healing, then gradual, protected increase in weight-bearing.
4–12 months
Progressive return to full activity, with continued monitoring of bone health.
Follow-Up Schedule
1–2 weeks
X-ray check to confirm the fracture position is maintained.
6 weeks and beyond
Serial X-rays to monitor healing before weight-bearing.
3 months
Further X-ray to continue monitoring healing and bone health.
Nonunion and Talar Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
The talus has a limited blood supply, so it carries a higher risk of nonunion and avascular necrosis (AVN — bone death from loss of blood supply). Both are monitored with serial X-rays, and sometimes MRI, over 6–12 months. Most talus fractures heal well and do not develop AVN. To reduce the risk: strictly follow the non-weight-bearing protocol — especially important with this fracture — maintain a healthy, balanced diet to support bone healing, and avoid all nicotine, the single biggest modifiable risk factor for nonunion.