How a Minor Trauma can Cause Long Term Disability! A Misdiagnosed Fracture of Lateral Process of the Talus-A Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction: Despite increasing number of literature and publication on talus lateral process fracture, early diagnosis with this fracture is still missed leading to awful long term complication especially the younger ones. Discussion: The complications following delayed diagnosis of these fractures can be disabling so high index of suspicion even with minor ankle injuries as in this case is required to surmount this delayed diagnosis. Conclusion: We conclude that the diagnosis of lateral talus process should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute and chronic ankle pain and to arrange an early orthopedic referral along with CT scan to enable prompt management. Case presentation: A 42 year old male slipped down one step and sustained a combined inversion and dorsiflexion strain of his left ankle and foot. There was immediate pain, difficulty in mobility with subsequent swelling. Patient was seen in Emergency department and follow-up clinics and based on clinical and radiological examination a diagnosis of sprain was made and treated accordingly. Six months down the line with unsettling symptoms, GP referred him to orthopaedics clinic for specialist opinion where MRI showed lateral talus fracture.