The outcome of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures that involve the calcaneocuboid joint

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Introduction The outcome of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus is affected by many factors such as fracture type and age. The restoration and maintenance of the posterior facet is a priority and has a strong correlation with improved outcome. The fracture occasionally extends anteriorly to the calcaneocuboid joint (CCJ). Currently there is little literature discussing pain, functional or radiographic information about calcaneal fractures, which involve the CCJ or those that do not. The aim of this study was to compare pain and functional outcome measurements in a cohort of calcaneal fractures treated operatively and non-operatively to determine whether CCJ involvement was important. Patients and methods A prospective database of calcaneal fractures managed by a single surgeon was reviewed. CT images allowed us to assess the degree of CCJ involvement before and after surgery. Final outcome was determined by pain (validated visual analogue score) and functional outcomes (SF-36) taken 2 years after injury with further CT imaging used to determine the presence of arthritic change at the CCJ. 59 patients with 64 intra-articular calcaneal fractures were identified who also had 35 fractures that extended to the CCJ. Pre-operative CT imaging identified 3 levels of CCJ involvement: Undisplaced fracture line ( n = 27); fractures that involved <50% of the CCJ ( n = 4) and fractures that involved >50% of the CCJ with joint subluxation ( n = 4). Results Pain and functional scores were comparable between fractures that involved the CCJ and those that did not. All fractures that involved >50% of the CCJ demonstrated arthritic change 2-years after injury. Discussion Displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus will often have a fracture line extending into the CCJ. This is commonly undisplaced and does not appear to predict continued pain, dysfunction on radiographic appearance using generalised outcome measurements.