Pediatric calcaneal fractures: outcomes of surgical fixation and its characteristics

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes of surgical treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (ICFs) in children and its characteristics.Methods Between January 2004 and October 2008,we review the results of 9 displaced,intra-articular fractures in 8 skeletally immature patients,who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation in our hospital.There were 7 males and 1 female,with the mean age of 13.1 years (range:10 to 15 years).Preoperative radiographs and computed tomographic scans were used to classify fractures.Clinical and radiographic evaluation were performed in postoperative follow-up visits.The functional outcomes were assessed with use of the modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score.The published literatures of child ICFs treated with ORIF were reviewed.Results In the series,there were 4 tongue-type and 5 joint depression-type fractures according to Essex-Lopresti classification,and according to Sanders classification,we found 5 type-Ⅱ fractures,3 type-Ⅲ and 1 type-Ⅳ fractures.The mean follow-up time was 47.4 months (range:21 to 72 months).All fractures healed within 2 to 4 months.The average preoperative and postoperative Bohler angles were 5.7 and 33.1 degrees respectively,and the mean Gissane angles were 106.5 and 128.0 degrees respectively.The mean modified-AOFAS score was 65.2 points (range:53 to 68 points).Skin necrosis was found in one foot.After the review of literatures,78.6％ (48/61) of displaced ICFs were male in children.Based on the Sanders classification,36 of 67 (53.7％) were type-Ⅱ fractures,25 of 67 (37.3％) were type-Ⅲ and 6 of 67 (9.0％) were type-Ⅳ; And 15 of 37 (40.5％) were tongue-type,22 of 37 (59.5％) were joint depression-type fractures according to Essex-Lopresti classification.Conclusion Most children with displaced ICFs treated with ORIF had a good clinical outcome with few complications.The children and adolescents that were exposed to high-energy trauma suffer calcaneal fractures that were similar to adult fracture patterns. Key words: Calcaneus; Fractures, closed; Child; Treatment outcome