Bilateral Calcaneal Fractures Research Articles

Changing trends in injury patterns of undocumented migrants along the Hungarian–Serbian border from 2018 to 2022

ObjectiveThe Traumatology Clinic of the University of Szeged is a level one Trauma center situated near the Hungarian - Serbian border, where a 4 m tall fence constructed in 2018 serves as a barricade leading to numerous trauma cases. The objective of this study is to characterize the epidemiology of injuries, challenges, and recent trends whilst treating these undocumented migrants in Hungary. Materials and methodsA national retrospective mono-centrical study was performed, examining 982 patients who were admitted to the emergency trauma center in the University of Szeged between January 2018 and December 2022, using data from our electronic administrative system (eMedSol). Factors such as basic epidemiology, country of origin, fractures- according to the AO classification- and its respective treatments, mechanism of injury, duration of stay, and costs were assessed to set as a basis for prediction using a regression model. ResultsA total of 982 patients from 2018 to 2022 were included in the study. Patterns of injury included calcaneal fractures in 2018 and 2019 whereas in 2021 and 2022 along with the exponential increase in patient number, bilateral calcaneal fractures, open and multi-fragmentary tibial fractures were also observed. Additionally, seasonal variations, favoring the months of September through November were observed. Treatment cost ratios, especially surgeries, have also been consistent with the pattern of proximalizing injuries; more proximal surgeries indicate higher surgical costs which is evidently visible in the significantly higher cost ratio dedicated to surgery in 2022. ConclusionWhile migration seems to be a global problem affecting governments and citizens alike, rarely do we understand the direct consequences of illegal migration affecting healthcare services. Hungary in particular created a 4 m tall wall between Serbia in 2019 with means of preventing illegal migration, which in turn led to gradual and later an exponential increase in the number of injured patients particularly in the years 2021 and 2022. Undocumented migrant cases have increased exponentially between 2018 and 2022, with certain patterns seen not only in the injury types but also in seasonal variations and cost expectations. Injuries have been showing a trend of proximalization and have been of more serious quality, including bilateral and/or open injuries. Revisions after surgery were virtually impossible due to the discharging of patients back to border control after their definitive treatment. The need for adequate quality surgical care, manpower and financial aid should be considered.

Primary subtalar arthrodesis with percutaneous screw fixation and bone grafting through mini-open sinus tarsi approach for sanders type IV bilateral calcaneal fracture - three-year follow-up case report

Introduction. Calcaneus fractures are rare but potentially debilitating injuries. Most of them are displaced intraarticular fractures, whose management is among controversial issues. There is no consensus on whether to operate or not. The most often chosen surgical treatment is open reduction and internal fixation as the primary method. Failure of this surgery often needs secondary subtalar arthrodesis as definitive management, so primary subtalar arthrodesis in cases with severe comminution represents definitive treatment in one stage with good functional results. Case outline. We present a case of a 54-year-old male patient with a severely comminuted (Sanders type IV) bilateral calcaneus fracture. After the withdrawal of local swelling and disappearance of fracture blisters, the patient was operated on using one-stage bilateral subtalar arthrodesis with percutaneous screw fixation and bone grafting performed through a mini-open sinus tarsi approach. The early postoperative period was uneventful. The patient did not walk for the first seven postoperative weeks, after which rehabilitation was continued with partial weight bearing with a gradual increase of weight-bearing to full over the next five weeks, after which walking aids were completely phased out. Three years after surgery, the patient has no symptoms and has a close-to-normal gait. Conclusion. Although this type of injury has traditionally been treated with open reduction and internal fixation, we believe that primary subtalar arthrodesis with bone grafting through a mini-open sinus tarsi approach can benefit patients with severe comminution of calcaneus, allowing good functional results and patient satisfaction, with fewer postoperative complications and faster definitive recovery.

Assessment of Clinical Outcomes After Mini-Open Reduction of Depressed Calcaneal Fractures Using the Push-Out Molding Technique

Category: Trauma; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: As minimal invasive techniques for depressed calcaneal fracture treatment have become more common, great progress has been achieved with various surgical methods. While these techniques are still currently utilized, new methods have been developed. This study aimed to report the radiologic and clinical outcomes of depressed calcaneal fracture treatment with the “push-out molding” technique and to propose its clinical utility. Methods: From March 2009 to October 2020, a retrospective study was conducted with 52 patients, who received the “push-out molding” technique to treat depressed intra-articular calcaneal fractures (Sanders type II, III, IV). Exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures, open fractures, and a follow-up period < 12 months. Radiologic parameters were assessed at following periods: preoperative, postoperative, 3-month follow-up, and last follow-up. Limitation of range of motion (ROM), subjective satisfaction, and complications were assessed at the last follow-up period. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze values at preoperative, postoperative, 3-month, and last follow-up periods. Results: Significant differences in the talo-calcaneal angle (p < 0.001), Böhler’s angle (p= < 0.001), Gissane’s angle (p = 0.023), distance from the lower cortical border of calcaneus to the anterior (p= < 0.001) and posterior (p= < 0.001) points of posterior articular surface, calcaneal length (p = 0.019), and talo-calcaneal height (p= < 0.001). Postoperatively, the posterior articular surface was well maintained, while 21.2% retained a ROM limitation by 20° or higher. Subjective satisfaction was as follows: excellent (42.3%), good (48.1%), fair (9.6%), and poor (0%). Conclusion: The “push-out molding” is a simple technique with the advantage of not requiring much force to treat depressed calcaneal fractures. It can be used as a beneficial surgical technique with minimal damage to the soft tissue, owing to the reduction from the depressed interior part and less severe ROM limitation.

Prevalence and Predictors of Peroneal Tendon Instability Accompanying Calcaneal Fractures.

We aimed to find the prevalence of peroneal tendon instability (PTI) accompanying different types of calcaneal fractures and to determine predictors of PTI based on preoperative CT scanning. In a retrospective cross-sectional study, preoperative CT scans of 400 consecutive calcaneal fractures undergoing surgery were reviewed for comminuted fragments in the lateral gutter of the ankle, fractures at the tip of the lateral malleolus, dislocated peroneal tendons, excessive displacement of the lateral calcaneal wall, calcaneal fracture-dislocation, superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) avulsion fracture (fleck sign), and shape of the retromalleolar groove. The correlation of these variables with intraoperative SPR stress test, defined as the diagnostic criteria for PTI in calcaneal fractures, was evaluated. In total, 369 patients (mean age, 39 ± 13; range, 11-72 years), with 321 (87.0%) of them male, were included. Among all calcaneal fractures, 67 cases (16.7%) had associated PTI as confirmed intraoperatively by an SPR stress test. A statistically significant association was found between PTI in calcaneal fractures and comminuted fragments in the lateral gutter of the ankle (P = .03), dislocated peroneal tendons (P < .001), calcaneal fracture-dislocation (P < .001), SPR avulsion fracture (P < .001), and Sanders type IV of calcaneal fracture (P = .02). There was no statistically significant relationship between PTI and the mechanism of injury (P = .98), side of fracture (P = .30), uni- or bilateral calcaneal fractures (P = .27), a fracture at the tip of lateral malleolus (P = .69), shape of the retromalleolar groove (P = .78), or excessive displacement of the lateral calcaneal wall (P = .06). The most specific CT finding to predict PTI accompanying calcaneal fractures was calcaneal fracture-dislocation (99.1%). Following calcaneal fracture fixation, PTI was confirmed with intraoperative SPR stress test in one-sixth of cases. With the exception of calcaneal fracture-dislocation, preoperative findings on CT scanning and calcaneal fracture pathoanatomy are insufficient to diagnose PTI accompanying calcaneal fractures. Level III, retrospective case control study.

Assessment of clinical outcomes after reduction of depressed calcaneal fractures using the push-out molding technique

IntroductionAs minimal invasive techniques for depressed calcaneal fracture treatment have become more common, great progress has been achieved with various surgical methods. While these techniques are still currently utilized, new methods have been developed. This study aimed to report the radiologic and clinical outcomes of depressed calcaneal fracture treatment with the “push-out molding” technique and to propose its clinical utility. Materials and methodsFrom March 2009 to October 2020, a retrospective study was conducted with 52 patients, who received the “push-out molding” technique to treat depressed intra-articular calcaneal fractures (Sanders type II, III, IV). Exclusion criteria were as follows: patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures, open fractures, and a follow-up period <12 months. Radiologic parameters were assessed at following periods: preoperative, postoperative, 3-month follow-up, and last follow-up. Limitation of range of motion (ROM), subjective satisfaction, and complications were assessed at the last follow-up period. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze values at preoperative, postoperative, 3-month, and last follow-up periods. ResultsSignificant differences in the talo-calcaneal angle (p < 0.001), Böhler’s angle (p=<0.001), Gissane’s angle (p = 0.023), distance from the lower cortical border of calcaneus to the anterior (p=<0.001) and posterior (p=<0.001) points of posterior articular surface, calcaneal length (p = 0.019), and talo-calcaneal height (p=<0.001). Postoperatively, the posterior articular surface was well maintained, while 21.2% retained a ROM limitation by 20° or higher. Subjective satisfaction was as follows: excellent (42.3%), good (48.1%), fair (9.6%), and poor (0%). ConclusionThe “push-out molding” is a simple technique with the advantage of not requiring much force to treat depressed calcaneal fractures. It can be used as a beneficial surgical technique with minimal damage to the soft tissue, owing to the reduction from the depressed interior part and less severe ROM limitation.

Evaluation of the association between bilateral calcaneal fractures and suicide attempts: Findings from 4 different trauma centers in Turkey

In this study we aimed to determine the association between bilateral calcaneal fractures and suicide attempt and some socio-demographic characteristics. This study was conducted among patients admitted to the emergency departments of four trauma centers with bilateral calcaneal fractures between January 2014 and March 2017. The Sociodemographic Data Form, Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV) and Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) were applied to participants. Comparisons about age and gender was made between suicidal and non-suicidal patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures. Twenty-three patients with bilateral calcaneus fractures were included in the study. Of the 23 patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures, 14 (61%) were evaluated as suicidal and nine (39%) were evaluated as not suicidal. The majority of suicidal jumpers were female (n = 11, 78.6%). Suicidal patients were younger compared with non-suicidal fallers. As a result of SCID I interview, nine (64.3%) of 14 suicidal jumpers were diagnosed with serious psychiatric diagnoses: One patient was diagnosed with first episode psychotic disorder, one with schizophrenia, one with Schizoaffective Disorder, one with Bipolar Disorder, two with Major Depressive Disorder and three with Adjustment Disorder. Based on our study results we determined that suicidal jumpers are frequently diagnosed with serious psychiatric disorders. Therefore, the psychiatric dimension should be taken into consideration in the treatment plan for patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures and the multidisciplinary approach should be taken.

Prevalence of Preoperative Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Bilateral Calcaneal Fractures

There are no studies on epidemiologic characteristics of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), when specified at in patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures. This study aimed to address the preoperative DVT in bilateral calcaneal fractures. Between October 2014 and December 2018, adult patients presenting with bilateral calcaneal fractures and having preoperative Duplex ultrasound (DUS) of bilateral lower extremities for detection of DVT were included. Their medical data were collected, with regards to demographics, comorbidities, injury-related data and biomarkers. Baseline characteristics between patients with and without DVT were compared using bivariate tests. The further multivariate logistics regression analysis was conducted to identify independent factors associated with DVT. In total, 258 patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures were included, with 21 (8.1%) having preoperative DVT, diagnosed at 7.7 ± 4.2 days after injury. The prevalence rate of proximal DVT was 1.9% and of distal DVT was 6.2%. Thirty five thrombi were found, with 6 (17.1%) in proximal veins and 29 (82.9%) in distal veins. Nine patients had DVTs in multiple veins, and 2 patients had bilateral DVTs. The multivariate analyses showed history of allergy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17), concurrent other fractures (OR = 4.53), prolonged time since injury (for each day, OR = 1.16), elevated plasma D-dimer level (≥1.73 vs <1.73 mg/L, OR = 3.74) and reduced albumin level (<34.2 g/L vs ≥34.2 g/L, OR = 2.92) were independent factors associated with DVT. Multiple factors were identified to be associated with DVT and greater consideration should be given to the use of pharmacologic prophylaxis in patients involving these factors, to reduce DVT occurrence.

Different types and epidemiological patterns of calcaneal fractures based on reviewing CT images of 957 fractures

IntroductionCalcaneal fractures may have lifelong debilitating sequences, if not treated properly. Identifying different types of calcaneal fractures based on the computed tomography (CT) scans can increase our conception about these fractures. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, the available CT images of all consecutive patients with the diagnosis of calcaneal fracture, from January 2015 to December 2018, were reviewed to determine different patterns and types of these fractures. ResultsCT images of 886 patients (mean age, 41.29 ± 14.9; range, 3–89 years; male/female, 4.86; pediatric: 3.7%) with 957 calcaneal fractures were evaluated. The peak incidence of calcaneal fractures was seen in patients between 30 to 39 years of age (29%). The rate of open fractures and bilateral involvements were 2.4% and 8.0%, respectively. Among 680 (71.0%) intra-articular calcaneal fractures, subtalar calcaneal fractures were the most common type (94.3%). The majority of intra-articular subtalar calcaneal fractures were displaced (95.0%) with calcaneocuboid joint (CCJ) involvement (59.9%). Fracture lines were extended to the CCJ in about 86.9% of Sanders type IV, 66.3% of type III, and 60.2% of type II. Among 261 extra-articular fractures (27.3%), calcaneal body fracture (55.6%) was the most frequent type, followed by medial tubercle fracture (24.1%), calcaneal tuberosity fracture (10.4%), Degan type I anterior process fractures (5.4%), Degan type II anterior process fracture (3.4%), and isolated lateral tubercle fracture (1.1%). Most of bilateral calcaneal fractures were intra-articular subtalar fractures with involvement of CCJ. Although majority of intra-articular calcaneal fractures were displaced; less than half of the extra-articular fractures were displaced. ConclusionDisplaced intra-articular subtalar calcaneal fractures with CCJ involvement are the most frequent type of unilateral and bilateral calcaneal fractures. It appears that there is a correlation between Sanders type and the probability of CCJ involvement. Unlike intra-articular subtalar calcaneal fractures, the CCJ in the majority of extra-articular calcaneal body fractures was intact. Level of evidenceLevel IV.

How Does Mechanism of Injury Relate to Similar Fracture Patterns in Bilateral Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures?

Several biomechanical/cadaver studies have established a correlation between mechanism of injury and fracture classification in calcaneal fractures. However, this has never been backed up by clinical studies. In this study, the hypothesis is tested whether the alleged similar mechanism of injury for both feet in bilateral calcaneal fractures leads to similar fracture types. In this retrospective cross-sectional cohort study, patients with unilateral and bilateral calcaneal fractures treated between 2000 and 2017 were classified according to Essex-Lopresti and Sanders. Positive predictive values were computed, signifying the chance that the fracture type in the left foot corresponded to that in the right foot. These were compared to the a priori chance of a fracture type (percentage of fracture type in unilateral fractures) by constructing 95% confidence intervals of the positive predictive value of each fracture type. Of the 451 patients, 413 (91.6%) had unilateral and 38 (8.4%) bilateral calcaneal fractures. Mechanisms of injury were similar for uni- and bilateral fractures. Using the Essex-Lopresti fracture classification, 34 cases (90%) had the same classification in both feet, compared with 24 (63%) in the Sanders classification. The chance of a fracture type in the left, with the right foot as reference, was significantly larger than expected from a priori chance in the unilateral population. This leads to a new hypothesis, that, more than mechanism of injury, the magnitude of the impact and the position of the foot are important in predicting fracture classification in the calcaneus.

Reverse sural artery fasciocutaneous flap after skin defect due to post operative infection of bilateral calcaneal fracture; a case report

Reverse sural artery fasciocutaneous flap after skin defect due to post operative infection of bilateral calcaneal fracture; a case report

Locomotor training using an overground robotic exoskeleton in long-term manual wheelchair users with a chronic spinal cord injury living in the community: Lessons learned from a feasibility study in terms of recruitment, attendance, learnability, performance and safety

BackgroundFor individuals who sustain a complete motor spinal cord injury (SCI) and rely on a wheelchair as their primary mode of locomotion, overground robotic exoskeletons represent a promising solution to stand and walk again. Although overground robotic exoskeletons have gained tremendous attention over the past decade and are now being transferred from laboratories to clinical settings, their effects remain unclear given the paucity of scientific evidence and the absence of large-scale clinical trials. This study aims to examine the feasibility of a locomotor training program with an overground robotic exoskeleton in terms of recruitment, attendance, and drop-out rates as well as walking performance, learnability, and safety.MethodsIndividuals with a SCI were invited to participate in a 6 to 8-week locomotor training program with a robotic exoskeleton encompassing 18 sessions. Selected participants underwent a comprehensive screening process and completed two familiarization sessions with the robotic exoskeleton. The outcome measures were the rate of recruitment of potential participants, the rate of attendance at training sessions, the rate of drop-outs, the ability to walk with the exoskeleton, and its progression over the program as well as the adverse events.ResultsOut of 49 individuals who expressed their interest in participating in the study, only 14 initiated the program (recruitment rate = 28.6%). Of these, 13 individuals completed the program (drop-out rate = 7.1%) and attended 17.6 ± 1.1 sessions (attendance rate = 97.9%). Their greatest standing time, walking time, and number of steps taken during a session were 64.5 ± 10.2 min, 47.2 ± 11.3 min, and 1843 ± 577 steps, respectively. During the training program, these last three parameters increased by 45.3%, 102.1%, and 248.7%, respectively. At the end of the program, when walking with the exoskeleton, most participants required one therapist (85.7%), needed stand-by or contact-guard assistance (57.1%), used forearm crutches (71.4%), and reached a walking speed of 0.25 ± 0.05 m/s. Five participants reported training-related pain or stiffness in the upper extremities during the program. One participant sustained bilateral calcaneal fractures and stopped the program.ConclusionsThis study confirms that larger clinical trials investigating the effects of a locomotor training program with an overground robotic exoskeleton are feasible and relatively safe in individuals with complete motor SCI. Moreover, to optimize the recruitment rate and safety in future trials, this study now highlights the need of developing pre-training rehabilitation programs to increase passive lower extremity range of motion and standing tolerance. This study also calls for the development of clinical practice guidelines targeting fragility fracture risk assessment linked to the use of overground robotic exoskeletons.

Experience with the Hind Foot Relaxation Boot

The goal of this paper is to report our experience with hindfoot fractures using our specially developed boot, with a follow-up of 557 cases. This boot works like the well-known Allgöwer-Röck ortheses (ARO), but is a hybrid between a boot and an orthesis. It allows full weightbearing without using crutches and completely protects an acutely operated hind foot fracture, hind foot arthrodesis or a hind foot fracture which is suitable for conservative treatment. In its first generation, this boot was custom made and used in 408 cases, from March 1999 to February 2011. This study was performed exclusively at the Department of Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery in the University Centre of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, since 2013 at the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital of the Technical University of Dresden (since 2013). The new improved second generation of this boot has been used in 149 patients between March 2011 and February 2016. This model is lighter and safer, due to an aluminium U-profile which is produced in one piece and interposed and fixed with 4screws into the sole of the boot. The ground reaction forces are transported to the tibial head by this U-profile, to which the dorsal acryl shell for the calf of the Röck system is fixed with 2 screws on both sides, including the free ventral patellar shell. This is closed individually by two quick fastener buckles. This modular system of the second generation boot is now available for all patients in Dresden. These new boots have replaced the use of a wheel-chair for 3months and are especially useful in bilateral calcaneus fractures - which occur in about 18% of all cases. In these new boots, the whole sole of the boot is in contact with the ground, rather than a surface of 9 × 3 cm as in the Allgöwer-Röck ortheses. As a result, these boots are considered to be superior to the ARO because standing and walking without crutches is much more easier - even for elderly patients. In contrast to the Allgöwer-Röck ortheses, in which no ground reaction forces are transmitted to the free hanging foot, some ground contact in the boot is provided through the metatarsal heads and toes, as the foot is positioned at about 20 degrees of equinus. Due to these conditions, osteopenia of the foot skeleton and deficits of coordination are less often observed clinically after 3months than has been the case with the ARO. With the Allgöwer-Röck orthesis for only one injured hind foot, the leg length must be corrected by up to 8 to 10 cm for the contralateral shoe sole. On the contrary, this new boot facilitates free walking. In our series of a total number of 557 boots in 401 patients,156 patients wore two boots due to bilateral hindfoot fractures. The patients' mean age was 39.9 years (14 to 80 years), including 83.9% males. With application of low molecular weight heparin and lower leg compression hoses (primarily of the CCL1 type), there was no dislocation of the hindfoot fractures, no wound complication due to pressure in the boot and no deep vein thrombosis leg compression. The main indication for prescribing the boot was 252 bilateral calcaneal fractures. Whereas in the first generation fatigue fracture of the aluminium U-profile was found in 4 of 408 (0.9%) cases. There was only one such case in the second generation (n = 149). The boot was worn during the with the healing time of the fractures for a mean of 12.3 weeks in both groups.

Minimally-Invasive Repair of Bilateral Calcaneal Fractures with Unilateral External Fixation: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Calcaneal fractures are a serious injury with significant associated morbidity. Bilateral calcaneal fractures complicate issues even further, due to the physical disability that the patient is left with. One of the major issues with any calcaneal fracture is the risk of soft tissue compromise caused by the traumatic nature of the injury. A percutaneous approach allows the soft tissue envelope to remain viable, while still fixating the fractures. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the use of percutaneous repair, the role of external fixation in calcaneal fractures, and lastly discuss the outcome for this particular patient. METHODS: A 26 year-old male presented to the office with bilateral calcaneal fractures, approximately 1 week after sustaining a fall from a height of 12 feet. The patient was brought to the operating room after spending approximately 2 weeks in bilateral posterior splints with Jones compressive dressings. The right calcaneal fracture was fixated percutaneously with 4 screws. The left calcaneal fracture was fixated percutaneously with 3 screws, as well as an Ilizarov external fixator. Approximately 8 weeks later, the patient returned to the operating room for removal of the external fixator and a cast application to the left lower extremity. RESULTS: The patient continued to progress and was subsequently transitioned into bilateral CAM walkers. In the following weeks, the patient was again upgraded to full weight-bearing with physical therapy. The fracture sites were completely consolidated with minimal to no pain in his bilateral heels and full ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous repair, along with external fixation, offers a viable alternative to ORIF for calcaneal fractures. A percutaneous approach also does not disrupt the potentially fragile soft tissue envelope in a calcaneal fracture. Although this outcome is positive, larger controlled studies are needed to confirm percutaneous approaches and external fixation in the realm of a calcaneal fracture.

Bilateral heel pain in a patient with Diamond–Blackfan anaemia

A rare case of bilateral calcaneal stress fractures in a patient with Diamond–Blackfan anaemia is described. This has not been previously reported in the literature. A calcaneal stress fracture is an important differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with heel pain. Bilaterality of symptoms should not exclude this diagnosis and clinicians should be especially vigilant with predisposed patients.

Rapid prototyping fracture models used in the diagnosis and classification of calcaneal fractures

Objective To explore the guiding role of rapid prototyping (RP) models in the diagnosis and classification of calcaneal fractures. Methods From January 2010 through January 2013, RP technique was used to fabricate fracture models preoperatively for 38 patients with calcaneal fracture (41 calcanei). Three patients had bilateral calcaneal fractures. There were 27 male patients (30 calcanei) and 11 female patients (11 calcanei). Their age ranged from 21 to 76 years (average, 34.4 years). Of them, 7 were injured from falling, 23 from falling from a great height and 8 from traffic incident. All patients took axial and lateral X-rays and three-dimensional CT scanning of the calcaneus. The CT data were transformed into STL files that could be read by a RP machine before RP models of calcaneal fracture with a ratio of 1: 1 were produced. Fracture classifications based on the RP models were compared with those based on conventional CT scans. Results According to CT scans, 14 cases were type Ⅱ, 16 cases type Ⅲ and 8 cases type Ⅳ by Sanders classification. The posterior joint surface was not involved in 3 cases which were classified into Essen-Lopresti type Ⅰ. According to the RP fracture models, 12 cases were classified into type Ⅱ, 15 type Ⅲand 11 type Ⅳ by Sanders'classification. The classifications determined according to RP fracture models were more severe than those determined according to CT scans. Conclusion RP fracture models can provide detailed three-dimensional information of severe calcaneal fractures which helps surgeons to visualize much more clearly the fracture in understanding the mechanism, diagnosing, making operative plan and judging the prognosis of the fracture. Key words: Calcaneus; Fracture; Models, anatomic; Rapid prototyping

Bilateral Calcaneal Avulsion Fracture Complicated with a Delayed Achilles Tendon Rupture in a Patient with Diabetes: A Case Report.

A sixty-five-year-old man with diabetes mellitus had bilateral calcaneal avulsion fracture without a history of trauma. Both fractures were treated surgically with modified tension-band wiring, cerclage wiring, and screws. Six months after the surgery on the left side, the patient had a left Achilles tendon rupture proximal to its insertion into the calcaneus. Calcaneal avulsion fractures are rare but often have complications. Even if these fractures are managed by well-established treatment methods, an unanticipated complication, namely a delayed Achilles tendon rupture, can occur in patients with diabetes.

A Case of Bilateral Calcaneal Fracture, Following Fall from 35 Feet

Introduction: Called Lover’s Fractures, the calcaneus commonly fractures due to fall from height. The calcaneus is the most frequently fractured tarsal bone. Tarsal bone fractures account for about 2% of all adult fractures. Of these, 60% are calcaneus fractures.The heel bone is often injured in a high-energy collision where other parts of the skeleton are also injured. In up to 10% of cases, the patient can also sustain a fracture of the spine, hip, or the other calcaneus. Injuries to the calcaneus often damage the subtalar joint and cause the joint to become stiff. This makes it difficult to walk on uneven ground or slanted surfaces. Case Report: A 24 year old male, working as a lift operator presented to the casualty of the hospital after the elevator broke down and came down in a free fall from about a height of 4 stories (35 feet). He presented along with the other occupants of the lift who also sustained calcaneal fractures.The case on arrival was subjected to ATLS protocol and through radiologic work up was done. Following a period of 12 days post trauma he was operated for bilateral calcaneal fractures and discharged 10 days post operatively. Conclusion: Calcaneal fractures continue to tread the fine line between operative and conservative management. In a young individual an operative management is likely to give a better outcome as the associated soft tissue problems, commonly encountered, yield a better outcome and faster healing rates.Used of closed reduction further helps alleviate the need to worry about wound healing

Indications for Implant Removal Following Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures and Subsequent Complications

Implant removal following operative calcaneal fracture treatment has received little attention in the literature. The aim of the current retrospective cohort study was to assess the indications and number of wound complications following calcaneal plate removal. All consecutive adult patients who had their plate and screws removed following the operative treatment of a closed uni- or bilateral intra-articular calcaneal fracture using a stainless steel nonlocking calcaneal plate between 2000 and 2011 were included. In 102 patients (46% of the total number of operated calcaneal fractures) implants were removed. Implant removal was performed in 75 patients for symptomatic reasons, in 10 patients due to implant malposition and in 19 patients because of a persistent wound infection or fistula. Following implant removal 17 (16%) patients had a wound complication (2 wound dehiscence, 15 culture positive wound infections). In 6 patients (9%) a wound complications was seen following implant removal after uncomplicated fracture surgery. Implant removal for active infection or plate fistula displayed an infection rate of 8 out of 19 (42%). Implant removal after an intra-articular calcaneal fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation via an extended lateral approach was followed by a wound complication in 1 of every 10 patients without a preexisting wound infection. Infection rates were especially high in patients in whom the implants were removed for an active wound problem. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Výsledky léčení oboustranné zlomeniny patní kosti otevřenou repozicí a vnitřní fixací (ORIF LCP)

Výsledky léčení oboustranné zlomeniny patní kosti otevřenou repozicí a vnitřní fixací (ORIF LCP)

Reply to comment on Bakker et al.: Change of Böhler’s angle during conservatively-treated displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Dear Editor, We thank Jiang et al. for their interest in our manuscript. Herein, we would like to reply to their comments on Bakker et al.: Change of Bohler’s angle during conservatively-treated displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures [1]. With respect to the patient characteristics, we looked at age and gender. Data on smoking habits and diabetes were not available to us for analysis. In the literature, the time patients remain non-weight bearing ranges between six and 12 weeks. It is our protocol to keep these patients non-weight bearing for 12 weeks, which we expect is enough for fracture healing even in patients who smoke or have diabetes. In the study a HET (High Energy Trauma) was defined as per the Advanced Trauma Life Support Criteria [2]: a fall from a height of more than three metres car accident with speed above 50 km/h (restrained victim) ejection from a car vehicle rollover on collision deformation of vehicle by more than 50 cm pedestrian victim versus vehicle at speed above 20 km/h bicycle/motorcycle versus vehicle at speed above 30 km/h All other trauma was considered to be of a low energy type. As stated correctly in the letter by Jiang et al. the analysis of differences in Bohler’s angle between male (n = 30) and female patients (n = 8), revealed no statistical differences. Neither the univariate nor the multivariable analysis showed a statistically significant difference. This might, of course, be due to the low number of female participants, but other factors such as osteoporosis cannot be ruled out. All patients were treated with early range of motion exercises and 12 weeks non-weight bearing. We cannot correct for patient noncompliance, but one might speculate that patients with bilateral calcaneal fractures may be more compliant with the non-weight bearing regime being wheelchair-bound. On the other hand one might argue that, for the same reason, patients with bilateral calcaneal fracture tend to bear weight earlier to avoid a wheelchair. As per protocol the bilateral fractures were also kept non-weight bearing for 12 weeks. The average follow-up was indeed about a half year. This is because after this period people were released from outpatient follow-up. Quite a large proportion of patients, especially those in whom conservative treatment is preferred, are subsequently lost to follow-up. In surgically treated patients with longer follow-up a decrease in Bohler’s angle is seen even after one year [3, 4]. We would like to encourage others to look at conservatively treated patients with a longer follow-up and to evaluate patients with a minimally displaced fracture with an initial angle of more than 15°, as these were not available for our current study. Secondly, it would be interesting to see whether or not this secondary decrease has an effect on outcome.