Abstract
There is a controversy whether the comminuted calcaneal fractures should benefit more from conservative or from surgical treatment. Aiming to contribute to this unsolved clinical question we reviewed the long-term outcome (up to 96 months) of in 44 patients (mean age 35 years) with 47 calcaneal fractures who were treated surgically. In these patients open reduction and internal fixation were performed using a calcaneal reconstruction plate. The functional outcome was measured according to the Rowe Score and the level of pain by Visual Analog Scale. The objective outcome was estimated by the current radiographs. The clinical results were good to excellent in 69% of patients. Poor outcome observed in one patient who developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in his foot. The radiographic evaluation showed satisfactory reconstruction (according to the Boehler angle measurements) in 35 of operated calcanei. These results indicate on the satisfactory outcome of surgical treatment in the majority of the patients who were diagnosed with comminuted fracture of calcaneus.
Highlights
Descriptions of calcaneal fractures exist since 1839 when compression mechanism causing this type of fracture has been described [1]
The initial publications of surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture were by Leriche [6]
In the current study we report on series of patients with comminuted calcaneal fractures who were treated surgically by open reduction and internal fixation by plate and screws
Summary
Descriptions of calcaneal fractures exist since 1839 when compression mechanism causing this type of fracture has been described [1]. In 1843 Malgaigne described this fracture and proposed a classification [1]. The treatment of these fractures has been evolved since from conservative to surgical approach [1]-[5]. The initial publications of surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture were by Leriche [6]. Over the years an unsatisfactory outcome of the closed reduction of these fractures became evident and surgical treatment by open reduction became more popular. Reports which compared conservative treatment vs open reduction internal fixation showed a better outcome for the latter [6]-[10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
