VOLUME 9 , ISSUE S1 ( August, 2022 ) > List of Articles
Akhil Sharma, Urvi J Patel, Rishin J Kadakia, Aman Chopra, Selene Parekh
Keywords : Outcome studies, Sports, Trauma
Citation Information : Sharma A, Patel UJ, Kadakia RJ, Chopra A, Parekh S. Talus Avascular Necrosis: Demographics, Epidemiology, and Activity Level. J Foot Ankle Surg Asia-Pacific 2022; 9 (S1):S153-S156.
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10040-1232
License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Published Online: 29-07-2022
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).
Background: The talus is predisposed to avascular necrosis (AVN) due to its intraosseous blood supply and extraosseous arterial sources. Currently, limited information exists on the patients’ functional level with regard to daily activity and their subjective sense of functioning. This work aimed to better appreciate the functional level of patients after surgery for talar AVN. Materials and Methods: Patients were identified through a publicly available online support group for talar AVN. A 36-question survey was distributed to determine baseline demographics, epidemiology of talar AVN, and functional status. A total of 96 patients completed the anonymous survey, and only fully completed surveys were included. Results: The majority of patients who responded were female (87/96 = 91%) and were diagnosed with talar AVN as adults. The most common etiology was trauma (35/96 = 37%). Most patients started with nonoperative treatment—however, the majority of patients ultimately underwent operative intervention (63/96 = 66%). Patients reported a functional activity level of 52% in regard to activities of daily living (ADLs). The functional activity level pertaining to sports-related activities was half that of ADLs (27%). Conclusion: Patients with talar AVN present with significant pain and limitation that negatively impacts their daily functioning. Our results demonstrate that patients report at least 50% loss in ability to function with regard to ADLs and almost a 75% loss in sporting-related activities. These substantial losses in the subjective sense of functioning illustrate how difficult this problem really is for patients. Providers must be cognizant of functional limitations associated with talar AVN when counseling patients. Level of evidence: III