ObjectiveTo summarize the surgical treatment methods for avascular necrosis of the talus. Methods The recent domestic and international literature related to avascular necrosis of the talus was extensively conducted. The pathogenesis, surgical treatment methods, and prognosis were summarized. Results The clinical symptoms of avascular necrosis of the talus at early stage are not obvious, and most patients have progressed to Ficat-Arlet stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ and require surgical treatment. Currently, surgical treatments for this disease include core decompression, vascularized bone flap transplantation, arthroplasty, and arthrodesis, etc. Early avascular necrosis of the talus can be treated conservatively, and if treatment fails, core decompression can be considered. Arthrodesis is a remedial surgery for patients with end-stage arthritis and collapse, and in cases of severe bone loss, tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis and bone grafting are required. Vascularized bone flap transplantation is effective and plays a role in all stages of avascular necrosis of the talus, but the appropriate donor area for the flap still needs further to be studied. ConclusionThe surgical treatment and the system of treatment for different stages of avascular necrosis of the talus still need to be refined.