Treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures using poking reduction combined with Ilizarov method

Abstract

Objective To introduce the treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures with poor soft tissue using poking reduction combined with Ilizarov methods. Methods From September 2007 to September 2009,11 patients with the intraarticular calcaneal fractures were treated with poking reduction combined with Ilizarov methods,including 10 males and 1 female at average age of 33.6 years(range,21-50 years).Four patients had the left calcaneal fractures and seven with the right ones.According to Sander classification,there were seven patients with type II fractures,three with type III fractures and one with type IV fracture.The various extents of heel soft tissue injury were emerged in all the patients.Before operation,B(o)hler angle was 0°-12°(average 8°)and Gissane angle 70°-95°(average 80°).According to AO classification of close soft tissue injury,there were three patients with type IC2,six with type IC3,one with type IC5 and one with open soft tissue injury.The collapse of the articular surface was recovered by Steinmann pin which passed through the lateral calcaneal tubercle.The medial and lateral fracture fragments were corrected by using the tensed olive wires.The heighat and width were maintained by using the Ilizarov external fixation. Results The mean duration of follow-up was 13.3 months (range,6-20 months).All fractures were healed after mean duration for 8.1 weeks(range,7-10weeks).The postoperative B(o)hler angle was 20°-45°(average 33°)and Gissane angle 100°-118°(average 107°).According to Maryland Foot Score system,the result of postoperative function was excellent in seven patients,good in three and fair in one,with excellence rate of 91%. Conclusions For the intraarticular calcaneal fractures,the poking reduction combined with Ilizarov method is able to recover and maintain the normal calcaneal height and width and reduce postoperative wound infections and many other complications.specially for Sanders II or III with severe soft tissue injury in the open or closed calcaneal fractures.Master of surgical indications and operating poims can attain satisfactory clinical efficacy. Key words: Foot injures; Calcaneal; Poking reduction