Management of Calcaneal Fracture Malunion with Bone Block Distraction Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

One of the most severe complications in calcaneal fractures is a malunion. When a malunion occurs, subtalar bone block distraction arthrodesis provides restoration of calcaneal height, length, correction of varus deformity, and elimination of subtalar joint arthritis. A systematic review showed the union rate for all procedures was 95.78%. The overall complication rate was 38% for all procedures. This is the first study to categorically break down complications with statistical analysis. The data presented indicate the level of difficulty of the subtalar distraction bone block arthrodesis for calcaneal malunions and may even suggest the need for newer techniques.