Calcaneal Fracture Malunion Research Articles

Calcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis for Stephens Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures malunion

To investigate the effectiveness of calcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis in the treatment of Stephens Ⅱand Ⅲ calcaneal fracture malunion. The clinical data of 24 patients with severe calcaneal fracture malunion treated by calcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis between January 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males and 4 females with an average age of 42.8 years (range, 33-60 years). Conservative treatment of calcaneal fracture failed in 19 cases and operation failed in 5 cases. Stephens classification of calcaneal fracture malunion was type Ⅱ in 14 cases, and type Ⅲ in 10 cases. Preoperative Böhler angle of calcaneus was 4.0°-13.5° (mean, 8.6°), Gissane angle was 100°-152° (mean, 119.3°). The time from injury to operation was 6-14 months (mean, 9.7 months). American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were used to evaluate the effectiveness before operation and at last follow-up. Bone healing was observed and the healing time was recorded. The talocalcaneal height, talus inclination angle, Pitch angle, calcaneal width, and hindfoot alignment angle were measured. Necrosis of the cuticle edge of the incision occurred in 3 cases, which were cured by dressing change and oral administration of antibiotic therapy. The other incisions healed by first intention. All the 24 patients were followed up 12-23 months, with an average of 17.1 months. The foot shape of the patients recovered well, the shoes were restored to the size before injury, and there was no anterior ankle impingement. Bone union was achieved in all patients, and the healing time ranged from 12 to 18 weeks, with an average of 14.1 weeks. At last follow-up, no adjacent joint degeneration occurred in all patients; 5 patients had mild foot pain during walking, which had no significant impact on daily life and work; no patient needed revision surgery. The AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was significantly higher than that before operation ( P<0.001), the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 4 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 83.3%. The VAS score, talocalcaneal height, talus inclination angle, Pitch angle, calcaneal width, and hindfoot alignment angle were significantly improved after operation ( P<0.001). Calcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis can effectively relieve hindfoot pain, correct talocalcaneal height, restore talus inclination angle, and reduce the risk of nonunion after subtalar arthrodesis.

Medial approach for subtalar distraction bone block arthrodesis

Subtalar distraction bone block arthrodesis is a useful technique commonly employed in the management of calcaneal and talar fracture malunion. Traditionally it is performed via a posterolateral or extensile lateral approach, however such approaches have been associated with wound complications, particularly secondary to the added stress caused by the subtalar distraction crucial to this technique. Medial approaches to the subtalar joint have been used in other procedures but have not been reported in subtalar distraction bone block arthrodesis. A novel case and technique illustrating the medial approach for subtalar distraction bone block arthrodesis is discussed. Level of clinical evidenceLevel 4.

Corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis in two greyhounds with calcaneal malunion

To describe the clinical presentation and outcome of two greyhounds with calcaneal malunions that were treated with corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis. Short case series. Two adult racing greyhounds. Varus and recurvatum deformity of the calcaneus was ascribed to malunion of prior calcaneal fracture with concomitant central bone fracture that had been sustained during racing in both dogs. Both dogs exhibited severe, weight-bearing lameness and had radiographic evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the proximal intertarsal joint. A closing wedge corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis were performed with a 2.7-mm locking compression plate and cancellous autograft. Calcaneal morphology and alignment of the common calcaneal tendon seemed restored postoperatively. The implant was removed in one dog, while the other dog experienced no postoperative complications. Lameness improved in both dogs, although residual intermittent lameness after heavy exercise was reported by owners of both dogs 1 year after surgery. Overall, owner satisfaction and outcome were considered good-to-excellent in both dogs. Corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis for treatment of malunited calcaneal fractures may be considered in dogs with clinical signs related to calcaneal malunion.

Surgical Technique for Management of Severe Calcaneofibular Impingement: Case Series.

Background:Calcaneofibular impingement is characterized by lateral hindfoot pain and is commonly resulting from calcaneal fracture malunion or severe flatfoot deformity. Lateral calcaneal wall decompression has been used successfully to relieve pain in patients who have calcaneofibular impingement. However, in cases of severe impingement and hindfoot valgus, lateral wall excision may leave only a small remnant of calcaneal bone for weightbearing and can lead to chronic heel pain. We describe a surgical technique using a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO) combined with a lateral wall exostectomy and report on the outcomes from our series of patients.Methods:Retrospective study of a single surgeon’s patients was done from 2010 to 2020 who underwent medial slide calcaneal osteotomy and lateral wall exostectomy for calcaneofibular impingement. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics. Our study included 9 patients, 6 females and 3 males, with a mean age of 59 years (range: 19-77) and a mean follow-up of 62 weeks (range: 6-184).Results:Five had an Achilles split approach, 2 had an oblique lateral approach, and 1 had an extensile lateral approach. Patients achieved radiographic relief of impingement and improvement in pain. Minor skin and soft tissue complications occurred in 3 patients, all of which were associated with laterally based incisions, and all resolved after a 10-day course of oral antibiotics. No major complications, emergency department visits, or readmissions occurred.Conclusions:MDCO and lateral wall exostectomy was a safe and effective treatment for severe calcaneofibular impingement.Level of Evidence:Level IV, retrospective case series.

Surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture malunion

Objective To evaluate the surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture malunion. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 19 patients with calcaneal fracture malunion (19 feet) who had been treated from January 2011 to September 2017 at Departments of Joint Surgery and Orthopedic Trauma, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University. They were 16 males and 3 females with the average age of 36.2 years (from 22 to 57 years). According to Stephens-Sanders classification, the malunion was defined as type Ⅰ in 10 cases, as type Ⅱ in 6 and as type Ⅲ in 3. The patients with malunion of type Ⅰ were treated by lateral wall osteotomy and decompression of long and short peroneus muscles to preserve the subtalar joint, those with malunion of type Ⅱ by lateral wall osteotomy and decompression of long and short peroneus muscles followed by subtalar joint fusion, and those with malunion of type Ⅲ by lateral wall osteotomy, decompression of long and short peroneus muscles, medial oblique osteotomy for correction of varus deformity and subtalar joint fusion via both the medial and lateral approaches. The Maryland functional scores were used to assess the postoperative surgical efficacy. Results No such complications happened as incision or implant infection, screw breakage or joint non-fusion. Of the 19 patients, 17 were followed up for 18 to 26 months (mean, 20.5 months). The Maryland scores at the final follow-ups were 90.2±7.3, significantly higher than the preoperative values (38.6±5.5) (t=53.370, P<0.001). Conclusions In the surgical treatment of calcaneal fracture malunion, satisfactory clinical efficacy can be achieved by lateral wall osteotomy and preservation of the subtalar joint for patients with maunion of Stephens-Sanders type Ⅰ, and by subtalar fusion for those with maunion of Stephens-Sanders types Ⅱ-Ⅲ. Key words: Calcaneus; Fractures, bone; Fracture healing; Subtalar joint; Fusion

Reconstruction of Calcaneal Fracture Malunion with Osteotomy and Subtalar Joint Salvage

Category:HindfootIntroduction/Purpose:The goal of this study was to discuss the outcomes of treating calcaneal fracture malunion by restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy.Methods:From May 2005 to November 2016, 85 patients (88 feet) with calcaneal malunions after a displaced intraarticular calcaneal fracture were treated by osteotomy and autogenous bone graft. The subtalar joint was preserved. The mean time from initial injury to reconstructive operation was 8.9 months (95% confidence interval, 4.5-11.6 months). The displaced posterior facet was restored through a reconstructive osteotomy, whereas the bone defect in the calcaneus after reduction was filled with the lateral exostosis that had been removed, iliac bone graft was used if necessary. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a minimum of 24 months. Sixty two patients (63 feet) were followed for a mean of 45.4 months (29.0-52.3 months).Results:According to American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, the average score was 81.6 points (95% confidence interval, 78.5-90.4 points), which was significantly higher than the preoperative assessment. Radiographs showed that Böhler’s angle, Gissane’s angle, talus declination angle, and width and height of calcaneus were improved to a great extent. Eight patients had wound edge necrosis, and 4 had superficial infection. Two patient required a subtalar fusion for subtalar arthritis at 2 years after surgery.Conclusion:Restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy and autogenous bone graft was an effective treatment method for selected calcaneal fracture malunions. It reconstructed calcaneal morphology and preserved the subtalar joint.

Computer-assisted virtual surgical technology in pre-operative design for the reconstruction of calcaneal fracture malunion.

No computer-assisted pre-operative design for calcaneal fracture malunions has been presented. The aim of the study is to evaluate the intra-operative realization of computer-assisted pre-operative planning (CAPP) and the clinical outcomes based on computer-assisted virtual surgical technology for calcaneal malunions. Between 2010 and 2016, 20 patients with 21 calcaneal fracture malunions were retrospectively reviewed with the average follow-up time of 22.3months (range, 12 to 43months), which were operatively treated with the help of CAPP. The CAPP steps included the image segmentation, exostectomy of lateral wall, simulated reconstruction of calcaneal thalamus, morphological evaluation, and the implantation of internal fixation devices. Post-operative outcomes were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, SF-36 physical component summary (PCS), VAS for pain, range of motion of ankle, and the morphological parameters of the calcaneus including the axial length of the calcaneus, the height of the posterior facet, the talocalcaneal angle, Böhler's angle, and Gissane's angle. The mean time required for CAPP was 41.8minutes. All the surgical processes were carried out according to CAPP. Six patients (6feet) were treated with the joint-preserving osteotomy. Fourteen patients (15feet) underwent the subtalar distraction bone block arthrodesis, among which the medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy was additionally performed in six patients (6feet). At the final follow-up, the average AOFAS, SF-36 PCS, and VAS scores were significantly improved to 77.4, 64.3, and 1.4, respectively (P < 0.001). The postoperative calcaneal morphological parameters and the range of motion of ankle were significantly restored (P < 0.05). CAPP can assist surgeons in understanding calcaneal malunions, thereby improving intraoperative correction and reconstruction. The satisfying clinical and radiographic outcomes could be provided after treating calcaneal malunions aided by the computer-assisted virtual surgical technology.

Subfibular impingement: current concepts, imaging findings and management strategies

Subfibular impingement is one cause of extraarticular ankle impingement characterized by pain in the lateral aspect of the hindfoot. Associated with severe hindfoot deformity, subfibular impingement can be secondary to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, calcaneal fracture malunion, or neuropathic or inflammatory arthritidies. MRI often is necessary to rule out other causes of ankle pain. Advanced imaging findings are related to abutment between the fibula and calcaneus and include subcortical marrow edema, cystic changes, sclerosis, and the presence of soft-tissue entrapment or extensive soft-tissue thickening between the fibula and the calcaneus. A trial of nonoperative management should be exhausted prior to open or arthroscopic procedures being considered. However, in recalcitrant cases unresponsive to conservative treatment, there are several surgical procedures described for the management of these deforming forces. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Mid-term follow up results of Calcaneal Reconstruction for the Late Complication of Calcaneus Fracture

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Calcaneal fracture is the most common fracture in hindfoot. The treatment is challenging, because of various patterns of fractures and high complication rates which leads to high level of dysfunction and low satisfaction of the patients. There are many previous studies reporting various methods about treatment of calcaneal malunion, such as subtalar arthrodesis, corrective osteotomy and corrective osteotomy with subtalar arthrodesis. However, there are no mid-term clinical results reporting about lateral ostectomy and sliding osteotomy, which is called calcaneal reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiologic results of calcaneal reconstruction in the patients who have chronic complications after calcaneal fracture. Methods: Between January 2009 to May 2014, 196 patients (257 feet) were treated by calcaneal fracture. 34 patients (37 feet) underwent calcaneal reconstruction because of the dysfunction and the pain caused by malunion. Inclusion criteria were those whom underwent calcaneal reconstruction and able to be followed up at least 4 years postoperatively. The patients who had severe subtalar arthritis or whom underwent subtalar arthrodesis or simple bone resection were excluded. We reviewed 10 patients (10 feet) postoperatively and at mid-term follow up. Radiologic results including Böhler angle, calcaneal pitch, talocalcaneal height, talar inclination, talocalcaneal angle, talo-1st metatarsal angle, calcaneal width were measured and clinical results including AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot scale and VAS score were checked preoperative, postoperatively and at the last follow up. The satisfaction of the patient was checked by survey. Results: The mean interval between the first operation and reconstructive operation was 16.6 months. The mean follow-up period after calcaneal reconstruction was 67.1 months. The most common symptom of the patient were pain on the inferior aspect of the lateral malleolus (4 patients) and heel area (3 patients). After calcaneal reconstruction, all the mean values of talocalcaneal height, calcaneal pitch, and Böhler angle were improved, which was statistically significant, respectively. In the postoperative period, 3 patients were very satisfied, 5 were satisfied, and 2 were not satisfied. The results maintained till mid-term follow up. Also, AOFAS and VAS score were improved comparing pre-reconstruction and mid-term follow up. Although the pain did not completely resolved, most of the patients were satisfied postoperatively. Conclusion: In patients without severe subtalar arthritis, the known main causes of the pain in calcaneal malunion are the loss of calcaneal height and hindfoot widening rather than subtalar arthritis. Our results showed signigficant clinical and radiological results by calcaneal reconstruction. And the outcome maintained till mid-term follow up. Calcaneal reconstruction can be a good choice for chronic pain which is caused by malunion of calcaneal fracture without severe subtalar arthritis.

Reconstruction of Calcaneal Fracture Malunion With Osteotomy and Subtalar Joint Salvage

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The goal of this study was to discuss the outcomes of treating calcaneal fracture malunion by restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy. Methods: From May 2005 to November 2016, 85 patients (88 feet) with calcaneal malunions after a displaced intraarticular calcaneal fracture were treated by osteotomy and autogenous bone graft. The subtalar joint was preserved. The mean time from initial injury to reconstructive operation was 8.9 months (95% confidence interval, 4.5-11.6 months). The displaced posterior facet was restored through a reconstructive osteotomy, whereas the bone defect in the calcaneus after reduction was filled with the lateral exostosis that had been removed, iliac bone graft was used if necessary. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a minimum of 24 months. Sixty two patients (63 feet) were followed for a mean of 45.4 months (29.0-52.3 months). Results: According to American Orthopaedic Foot &amp; Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, the average score was 81.6 points (95% confidence interval, 78.5-90.4 points), which was significantly higher than the preoperative assessment. Radiographs showed that Böhler’s angle, Gissane’s angle, talus declination angle, and width and height of calcaneus were improved to a great extent. Eight patients had wound edge necrosis, and 4 had superficial infection. Two patient required a subtalar fusion for subtalar arthritis at 2 years after surgery. Conclusion: Restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy and autogenous bone graft was an effective treatment method for selected calcaneal fracture malunions. It reconstructed calcaneal morphology and preserved the subtalar joint.

Three dimensional morphological evaluation of calcaneal fracture malunionand its clinical relevance

Objective To analyze 3D morphological evaluation of calcaneal fracture malunion based on CT post-processing techniques. Methods Eighteen patients with 19 calcaneal fracture malunion treated in our hospital from May 2010 to June 2015 were analyzed. The average age was 43.3 years (range, 23 to 62 years). There were 12 males (13 feet) and 6 females(6 feet). According to Stephens-Sanders classification, 3 feet were of type Ⅰ, 7 feet type Ⅱ and 9 feet type Ⅲ. Depending on the type of malunion and the preoperative evaluation of 3D morphology, the operation for the calcaneal fracture malunion was performed. The 3D structure of the calcaneus after shaded surface display reconstruction was extracted by interactive and automatic segmentation. The morphological measurements were achieved by means of a 3D measurement method. The data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software. The quantitative data were compared by paired t test. Results Making the telephone appointment for outpatient follow-up, all patients were followed up with an average time of 19.1 months. The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from (31.4 ± 6.1) point operatively to (77.4 ± 7.6) at final follow-up. The length of the calcaneal axis, the height of the posterior facet and the length of the posterior facet at final follow-up were significantly restored than those before operation (P<0.001). The mean Bohler′s angle and the mean Gissane′s angle were improved from (17.5° ± 5.6°) and (96.6° ± 9.9°) before operation to (34.2° ± 3.2°) and (124.1° ± 8.9°) at final follow-up respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion Three dimensional morphological evaluation of calcaneus was useful to access the postoperative outcome for calcaneal fracture malunion. The current data will be helpfulfor the reduction of calcaneal malunion. Key words: Calcaneus; Fracture, malunited; Image processing, computer-assisted; Imaging, three-dimensional

Bone Block Graft from Calcaneus for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The correction of foot and ankle deformities often require the use of a bone block for proper reconstruction. The iliac graft is the most used, but the additional approach in the hip region increases the morbidity, the risk of complications and prevents the execution of the procedure through the peripheral anesthetic block. The objective of the study is to demonstrate the clinical and radiological results of using a bone block graft from calcaneus for reconstruction of the foot and ankle region as an alternative to procedures that require bone lengthening . Methods: Between September 2013 and November 2014 eight patients underwent surgery with the use of bone block graft from calcaneus for reconstruction of local bone defects . In four cases the bone graft was used for reconstruction of calcaneal fracture malunion, two cases for ankle fracture reconstruction with shortening of the fibula, one case for hallux arthrodesis after avascular necrosis of the head of the first metatarsal, and one case for lateral column lengthening in a patient with flexible flatfoot. Four patients were male and four were female. The average age of patients at the time of surgery was 44 years. Results: After minimum of 13 months and average of 20 months follow-up, patients showed improvement of the AOFAS score from an average of 42 points preoperatively to an average of 83 points after the procedure. Union of both sides of the graft was observed in all patients except one (arthrodesis of the hallux). Despite the radiological failure, this patient remains without pain and satisfied with the her result. All patients were satisfied with the results and would underwent the procedure again under the same circumstances. Conclusion: The bone block from the posterior superior calcaneal tuberosity presents the advantages of using highly cancellous autograft with great density; can be removed under sedation and ankle block; dispensing the preparation of the surgical field in another anatomical region and often dispenses additional incision. These preliminary results put this technique as a viable alternative for cases of foot and ankle reconstruction that require a bone block graft.

A Case of Anatomical Reduction and Internal Fixation for Malunion of Calcaneal Fracture Using Intraoperative Three Dimension Computed Tomography

A Case of Anatomical Reduction and Internal Fixation for Malunion of Calcaneal Fracture Using Intraoperative Three Dimension Computed Tomography

Posterior Approach for Subtalar Joint Distraction Arthrodesis by Compact External Fixation: A Technique Guide

Subtalar joint arthrodesis is a commonly used surgical procedure for the management of rearfoot pathologic features. We present a technique guide for a posterior incisional approach to subtalar joint arthrodesis for correction of a calcaneal deformity secondary to calcaneal fracture malunion. This technique uses a monolateral external fixation device for controlled distraction and intercallary allograft placement. In contrast to a standard lateral approach, this incision provides better visualization of the joint space, and the use of a distractor enhances access to the joint surfaces for fusion preparation and maintains alignment while internal fixation is applied. A 44-year-old male underwent isolated subtalar joint arthrodesis to repair a malunion of a nonsurgically managed calcaneal fracture sustained 1 year before the surgical intervention. Controlled distraction was applied using a Hoffmann® Compact™ MRI external fixation device. This device maintained distraction and tibial–calcaneal alignment until placement of the allograft–bone marrow aspirate. The use of external fixation is a viable option for distraction arthrodesis in subtalar joint fusions. It facilitates frontal plane deformity correction. We have described the surgical technique and presented a case in which the posterior approach with distraction was successfully used in subtalar joint arthrodesis. At 12 weeks postoperatively, serial radiographs displayed incorporation of the graft, with distraction maintained at the subtalar joint arthrodesis site. At the 3-month follow-up visit, the patient had successfully transitioned to weightbearing in a CAM walker without any complications.

Reconstruction of Calcaneal Fracture Malunion With Osteotomy and Subtalar Joint Salvage

The goal of this study was to discuss the outcomes of treating calcaneal fracture malunion by restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy. From May 2005 to November 2008, 24 patients (26 feet) with calcaneal malunions after a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture were treated by osteotomy and autogenous bone graft. The subtalar joint was preserved. The mean time from initial injury to reconstructive operation was 5.7 months (95% confidence interval, 4.5-8.8 months). The displaced posterior facet was restored through a reconstructive osteotomy, whereas the bone defect in the calcaneus after reduction was filled with the exostosis that had been removed; iliac bone graft was used if necessary. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a minimum of 24 months. Twenty patients (21 feet) were followed for a mean of 34.2 months (29.0-39.4 months). According to American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, the average score was 85.9 points (95% confidence interval, 81.5-90.4 points), which was significantly higher than the preoperative assessment. Radiographs showed that Böhler's angle, Gissane's angle, talus declination angle, and width and height of calcaneus were improved to a great extent. Six patients had wound edge necrosis, and 2 had superficial infection. One patient required a subtalar fusion for subtalar arthritis at 2 years after surgery. Restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy and autogenous bone graft was an effective treatment method for selected calcaneal fracture malunions. It reconstructed calcaneal morphology and preserved the subtalar joint. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Treatment for calcaneal malunion

Pain, limping, and deformity are the most common complications following calcaneal malunion which results from non-operative treatment for calcaneal fractures. To introduce the experience of treating calcaneal fracture malunion. Between December 2009 and April 2011, eleven patients with calcaneal malunion were treated operatively. Age of patients ranged between 23 and 40 years with an average 28.7. All of them were followed up with a mean 13.5 (9-18 months). Eight of them were right-sided and the other three were left-sided. All of them were male. The mechanism of trauma was fall from a height in all patients. All of them were treated non-operatively since the prime trauma. According to Stephens and Sanders classification, all of cases were type II. The extended lateral calcaneal "L" approach was used in all cases. Lateral wall exostectomy and peroneal tendons are decompressed below the tip of the lateral malleolus and in situ subtalar bone block arthrodesis was done. The mean of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society and pain score systems score was improved from 33 (19-44 points) preoperatively to 69 (42-83 points) postoperatively. The reported complications were superficial wound infection in two cases (18.18%) and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in three cases (27.27%). Calcaneal lateral wall exostectomy, peroneal tenolysis and subtalar joint arthrodesis is an efficient method to treat calcaneal malunion type II after calcaneal fracture by reshaping the calcaneal contour and recovering the hind foot function. IV.

Surgical treatment for malunion of intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Objective To report the techniques and clinical results of surgical treatment of malunion of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Methods From February 2003 to December 2007, 49 cases of malunited intra-articular caleaneal fractures were treated and followed up. The patients underwent lateral wall exostosectomy or subtalar arthrodesis according to their complaints and their types of deformity. The subtalar joint was either fused in situ or with bone graft following distraction depending on the severity of deformity. Osteotomy in the calcaneal body was done simultaneously to correct the residual deformity, if any. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Scores were used to evaluate the clinical outcome. Results All the patients were followed up for a mean time of 18.4 months. The average healing time for subtalar fusion was 12.8 weeks. Postoperatively, the average talocalcaneal height, talar declination angle, talocalcaneal angle, and calcaneal pitch angle improved significantly compared with the preoperative values. The mean AOFAS Hindfoot Score increased from 25.7±4.3 points preoperatively to 74.9±4.8 at the final follow-up. Conclusions The surgical treatment of malunion of intra-articular calcaneal fracture should be based on the preoperative clinical and radiographic evaluations while individual scheme made ac-cording to the foot deformity and the patient' s expectation. Lateral wall decompression, subtalar arthrodesis and correction of the hindfoot varus/valgus deformity are keys to successful surgical treatment. Key words: Calcaneus; Fracture; Fracture healing; Abnormalities; Surgical treatment

Posterior ankle impingement syndrome caused by malunion of joint depressed type calcaneal fracture

Late complications after calcaneal fracture usually resulted in lateral heel pain. Malunion of joint depressed type calcaneal fracture can result in posterior ankle impingement pain. This is caused by the posterior calcaneal bone spike formed just behind the posterior calcaneal facet. We describe a technique to resect the offending posterior calcaneal bone spike to relieve the posterior ankle impingement pain.

Intermediate to Long-Term Results of a Treatment Protocol for Calcaneal Fracture Malunions

Nonoperative management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures may result in malunion affecting the function of both the ankle and the subtalar joint. The purpose of this study was to report the intermediate to long-term results of a treatment protocol for calcaneal fracture malunions. Seventy feet (sixty-four patients) with a malunion after nonoperative management of a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture were evaluated. On the basis of the classification system of Stephens and Sanders, type-I malunions were treated with a lateral wall exostectomy and peroneal tenolysis; type-II malunions, with a lateral wall exostectomy, peroneal tenolysis, and subtalar bone-block arthrodesis; and type-III malunions, with a lateral wall exostectomy, peroneal tenolysis, subtalar bone-block arthrodesis, and a calcaneal osteotomy. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a minimum of twenty-four months following surgery. Forty-five feet in forty patients were available for follow-up evaluation at a minimum of two years, with an average duration of follow-up of 5.3 years. Thirty-seven (93%) of the forty feet that had an arthrodesis achieved union. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference among the types of malunion with respect to the Maryland foot score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, or the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey subscales, which was likely due to sample size discrepancies. Forty-two (93%) of the forty-five feet were aligned in neutral or slight valgus hindfoot alignment, and all forty-five were plantigrade. Twenty-nine (64%) of the forty-five feet had mild residual pain, and nineteen of them had pain in the lateral aspect of the ankle. Radiographically, talocalcaneal height was significantly greater for the type-III malunion group relative to the type-I and type-II malunion groups (p = 0.021). This treatment protocol proved to be effective in relieving pain, reestablishing a plantigrade foot, and improving patient function. Because of the difficulty we encountered in restoring the calcaneal height and the talocalcaneal relationship in this group of patients with a symptomatic calcaneal fracture malunion, we believe that patients with a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture may benefit from acute operative treatment.

INTERMEDIATE TO LONG-TERM RESULTS OF A TREATMENT PROTOCOL FOR CALCANEAL FRACTURE MALUNIONS

Background: Nonoperative management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures may result in malunion affecting the function of both the ankle and the subtalar joint. The purpose of this study was to report the intermediate to long-term results of a treatment protocol for calcaneal fracture malunions. Methods: Seventy feet (sixty-four patients) with a malunion after nonoperative management of a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture were evaluated. On the basis of the classification system of Stephens and Sanders, type-I malunions were treated with a lateral wall exostectomy and peroneal tenolysis; type-II malunions, with a lateral wall exostectomy, peroneal tenolysis, and subtalar bone-block arthrodesis; and type-III malunions, with a lateral wall exostectomy, peroneal tenolysis, subtalar bone-block arthrodesis, and a calcaneal osteotomy. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a minimum of twenty-four months following surgery. Results: Forty-five feet in forty patients were available for follow-up evaluation at a minimum of two years, with an average duration of follow-up of 5.3 years. Thirty-seven (93%) of the forty feet that had an arthrodesis achieved union. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference among the types of malunion with respect to the Maryland foot score, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, or the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey subscales, which was likely due to sample size discrepancies. Forty-two (93%) of the forty-five feet were aligned in neutral or slight valgus hindfoot alignment, and all forty-five were plantigrade. Twenty-nine (64%) of the forty-five feet had mild residual pain, and nineteen of them had pain in the lateral aspect of the ankle. Radiographically, talocalcaneal height was significantly greater for the type-III malunion group relative to the type-I and type-II malunion groups (p = 0.021). Conclusions: This treatment protocol proved to be effective in relieving pain, reestablishing a plantigrade foot, and improving patient function. Because of the difficulty we encountered in restoring the calcaneal height and the talocalcaneal relationship in this group of patients with a symptomatic calcaneal fracture malunion, we believe that patients with a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture may benefit from acute operative treatment. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.