Double Row Anchor Fixation: A Novel Technique for a Diabetic Calanceal Insufficiency Avulsion Fracture

Abstract

Avulsion fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity represent only 1.3% to 2.7% of calcaneal fractures. These fractures are common pathologically in nature and attributed to decreased bone mineral density. Calcaneal insufficiency avulsion (CIA) fracture in patients with diabetes mellitus is most likely due to Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) as described by the Brodsky classification (Brodsky 3B). Traditional open reduction and internal fixation is difficult in all calcaneal avulsion fractures because of poor bone quality. The authors report the first known description of the use of fracture fragment excision and double row anchor fixation.A 39-year-old woman with type I diabetes mellitus and a history of CN presented with an avulsion fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity. Excision of the fracture fragment and a gastrocnemius recession and reattachment of the Achilles tendon with double row anchor fixation to the calcaneus were performed. At 1 year, the patient’s American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society rearfoot score improved from 27/100 to 88/100. CIA fractures are an infrequently described injury. Because diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with this disease, it most likely represents a CN event. Traditionally, CIA fractures have been operatively treated with open reduction internal fixation. Previous authors have described difficulty with fixation because of poor quality. In the current report, the authors describe a novel operative approach to CIA fractures through the use of double row anchor fixation and excision of the fracture fragments. The authors feel that this previously undescribed treatment is superior to traditional methods and may serve as a new treatment option for all patients who have sustained this unusual pathology regardless of the underlying cause. The current authors provide a novel operative technique that provides inherent advantages to the traditional repair of CIA fractures. We believe CIA fractures represent a CN-type event and care should be taken when evaluating and treating these patients to prevent further sequelae.