Calcaneal Tuberosity Fractures Research Articles

Technique Tip: Maintaining Anatomy While Achieving Compression During Primary Subtalar Fusion in Setting of Comminuted Calcaneal Tuberosity Fracture

Calcaneal fractures are severe injuries that frequently predispose patients to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Comminuted fractures of the posterior facet carry a particularly high risk, so many surgeons will perform primary subtalar fusion in the setting of a Sander’s IV calcaneal fracture. Maintaining desired anatomy of the comminuted tuberosity while achieving compression at the fusion interface, however, can be difficult while performing primary fusion. We describe a case of an elderly patient who sustained a Sanders IV calcaneal fracture with a severely comminuted posterior facet and calcaneal tuberosity. The patient underwent open reduction internal fixation and primary fusion with a novel technique that permitted compression at the subtalar joint for fusion while maintaining desired anatomy of the comminuted tuberosity fragments. This technique, which used fully and partially threaded screws, allowed rigid fixation at the subtalar joint without need for follow-up procedures or violation of the skin with k-wires. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V—expert opinion.

Pediatric Calcaneal Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Calcaneus fractures are rare in the pediatric population, and avulsion fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity is even less common. In adults, those fractures are usually associated with poor bone quality, however, this is not the case in children. It is a fracture that requires emergent intervention to prevent devastating skin and soft-tissue-related complications. Case Report: We report a case of a 9-year-old female who had a displaced calcaneal tuberosity fracture with heel skin impending compromise, after a fall at an indoor gymnastic facility. The child had a history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, diagnosed at age 4, she was in remission at the time of injury. In the present report, besides reporting a rare injury among the pediatric population, we also describe the operative management, the post-operative course, and we review the literature. Conclusion: Pediatric calcaneal tuberosity fractures, although rare, can lead to devastating complications if not addressed promptly, and should be treated in an expedited fashion. Keywords: Pediatric, calcaneal tuberosity, skin compromise.

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.

The Achilles tendon: Management of acute and chronic conditions.

The prevalence of acute and chronic conditions of the Achilles tendon is increasing among an ageing, active population. These conditions are a common cause of presentation to general practitioners and allied health practitioners. Achilles tendon injuries have a bimodal demographical presentation, with acute injuries commonly occurring in younger people and chronic conditions presenting in patients who are elderly. The aims of this article are to discuss management ofacute Achilles tendon ruptures in the primary care setting, explain the risks associated with calcaneal tuberosity fracture and discuss non-operative and surgical management of acute and chronic overload conditions of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendon injuries can be divided into acute ruptures and chronic overuse injuries. Both can be debilitating, with significant morbidity for patients; fortunately, both types of injuries respond well to non-operative interventions, with only a small proportion requiring surgery. Management of acute Achilles tendon rupture has evolved, with increasing evidence that non-operative management is appropriate providing patients participate in a functional rehabilitation protocol. Chronic conditions such as the sequalae of an untreated rupture or Achilles tendinopathy can be debilitating but often respond well to non-operative management.

Calcaneal Tuberosity Fixation Using a Locking Compression Hook Plate

Calcaneal tuberosity fractures account for 1% to 3% of all calcaneal fractures. Surgical fixation is particularly challenging owing to osteoporosis and numerous comorbidities and risk factors in this patient population. Numerous techniques have been proposed; however, we describe the use of a locking compression hook plate in the treatment of type 2 fracture patterns. This has the advantage of providing stable fixation in osteoporotic bone, avoiding the disadvantages of soft tissue and metalwork irritation that have been described with other techniques.

Novel Techniques in Treating Calcaneal Tuberosity Fractures

ABSTRACT Calcaneal tuberosity fractures comprise only 1 to 2% of all calcaneal fractures. Treatment of these injuries has traditionally included open reduction and internal fixation with various means including lag screws, suture anchors and K-wires. We report on a series of cases treated with excision of the tuberosity fragment with repair of the Achilles tendon supplemented by a flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. Parekh S, Bertrand T, Zura R, Adams S, Yan A. Novel Techniques in Treating Calcaneal Tuberosity Fractures. The Duke Orthop J 2014;4(1):3-7.

Novel Technique for the Treatment of Calcaneal Tuberosity Fractures

Novel Technique for the Treatment of Calcaneal Tuberosity Fractures

Surgical Management for Avulsion Fracture of the Calcaneal Tuberosity

To discuss the operative methods and curative effect of calcaneal tuberosity fracture. A retrospective study was done to analyze 15 patients with calcaneal tuberosity fracture who received surgical management between January 2008 and June 2011. There were nine males and six females, with the age ranging from 31 to 68 years (average, 51.4 years). All the patients had unilateral acute injury, with the left foot in 7 cases and the right foot in 8 cases. According to the Beavis classification, there were three cases in type I and 12 cases in type II. All the cases in type I and 10 cases in type II were treated with open reduction and screw fixation. The other two cases in type II with larger fragment involving a portion of the subtalar joint were treated with plate and screw fixation. The effect of the treatment was assessed according to the ankle and hindfoot score system of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) after the operation. Ten patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months (average, 20 months). The healing time in these patients ranged from 8 to 25 weeks (average, 12 weeks). The postoperative score ranged from 47 to 100 points (average, 91.1 points). Seven cases were rated as excellent, two as good, and one as poor. The rate of excellent and good was 90%. Necrosis of skin and soft tissue and exposure of the plate happened in one patient, who eventually healed after 3 weeks by debridement with plate preserved and peroneal artery perforator flap transplantation. Loss of reduction happened to another patient, who was treated with revision surgery by open reduction and screw fixation again. To patients with obvious fracture displacement, whose soft tissues are irritated severely, emergency open reduction and internal fixation operation should be offered to prevent the necrosis of the flaps as far as possible. To patients with small fractures, it is advisable to choose open reduction and large diameter screw fixation, while plate and screw fixation may be better for the patients with large fragments, especially for those with the fracture line extending to the subtalar joint.

Surgical management for avulsion fracture of calcaneal tuberosity

Objective To discuss the operative methods and cnrative effect of calcaneal tuberosity fracture.Methods The data of 15 patients with calcaneal tuberosity fracture was retrospectively analyzed who received treatment between January 2008 and June 2011.There were 9 males and 6 female,with the age ranging from 31 to 68 years (average,51.4 years).All the patients had unilateral acute injury,with the left foot in 7 cases and the right foot in 8 cases.According to the Beavis classification,there were 3 cases in type Ⅰ and 12 cases in type Ⅱ.All the cases in type Ⅰ and 10 cases in type Ⅱ were treated with open reduction and screw fixation.The other 2 cases in type Ⅱ with larger fragment involving a portion of the subtalar joint were treated with plate and screw fixation.The effect of the treatment was assessed according to the ankle and hindfoot score system of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) after the operation.Results Ten patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months (average,20 months).The healing time in these patients ranged from 8 to 25 weeks (average,12 weeks).The postoperative score ranged from 47 to 100 points (average,91.1 points).There were 7 cases which received excellent effect,2 cases,good,and 1 case,poor.The rate of excellent and good was 90％.Necrosis of skin and soft tissue and exposure of the plate happened to one patient,who eventually healed after 3 weeks by debridement with plate preserved and peroneal artery perforator flap transplantation.Loss of reduction happened to another patient,who was treated with the revision surgery by open reduction and screw fixation again.Conclusion To patients with obvious Fracture displacement whose soft tissues are irritated severely.Emergency open reduction and internal fixation operation should be offered to prevent the necrosis of the flaps as far as possible.To patients with small fractures,it is advisable to choose open reduction and large diameter screw fixation,while plate and screw fixation may be better for patients with larger tuberosity fragment,especially when the fracture line extends to the facet of the subtalar joint. Key words: Calcaneus; Fractures; Internal fixators; Fracture fixation, internal

Avulsion fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity: diagnosis and treatment

Avulsion calcaneal tuberosity fracture is an uncommon but potentially serious condition, with delays in treatment sometimes leading to long-term pain, disability and functional limitation. In this article, the authors refer to a case study of a patient with a fractured calcaneal tuberosity and multiple metatarsal fractures. They also discuss the results of a literature review of fracture patterns and classifications that can aid treatment.

Calcaneal Tuberosity Avulsion Fracture: An Unusual Variant

Calcaneal tuberosity fractures involve the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus and may involve the insertion of the Achilles tendon. In this report, we describe an unusual presentation of a calcaneal avulsion fracture involving 2 displaced fragments in a male patient who did not seek treatment for 1 month after the original injury. The larger fragment contained the insertion of the Achilles tendon, and tendon lengthening was required in addition to fixation of the fracture fragments with cannulated lag screws and washers. After reduction and healing, the patient recovered fully without clinical weakness of the triceps surae.

Management of Calcaneal Tuberosity Fractures

Fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity are relatively uncommon and are seen most frequently in elderly and diabetic patients. These injuries are typically avulsion fractures caused by concentric contraction of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle complex. Displacement of these fractures can compromise the skin over the posterior aspect of the heel; therefore, early recognition and management are imperative. Surgical management of calcaneal tuberosity fractures requires reduction and stable fixation of the displaced fragment. When the patient has preexisting tightness of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, successful management must also address this pathology to improve outcome.

Avulsion Fracture of the Calcaneal Tuberosity: Classification and Its Characteristics

BackgroundNot much is known regarding avulsion fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity. We propose a modified classification scheme that presents the four types of calcaneal avulsion fracture as described by surgical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and evaluation of their specific features.MethodsOut of 764 cases of calcaneal fractures, we examined 20 cases (2.6%) that involved the tuberosity of the calcaneus. Each case was classified depending on the avulsed fracture patterns as follows; type I is a 'simple extra-articular avulsion' fracture, type II is the 'beak' fracture, type III is an infrabursal avulsion fracture from the middle third of the posterior tuberosity, and finally in type IV there is the 'beak', but a small triangular fragment is separated from the upper border of the tuberosity. We examined the features of each avulsed type according to several criteria including patient age, gender, anatomical variances of the Achilles tendon, the fibers involved and the mechanism of injury.ResultsThe type I fracture (8/20 cases) was the most common and likely to occur in elderly women. However, in other types, they were more common in relatively younger male patients. Type I were usually caused due to an accidental trip causing a fall by the patient. However, the dominant cause of type II (5/20 cases) fractures a direct blow or hit directly to the bone. Type III (4/20 cases) and IV (3/20 cases) fractures were likely to occur due to falling. All fibers within the Achilles tendon are involved in both type I and II fractures. However, only the superficial fibers are involved in type III fractures, whereas the deep fibers are involved in type IV fractures.ConclusionsThe avulsion patterns of the calcaneal tuberosity fractures are the result of several factors including the bony density level, the mechanism of injury and the fibers of the Achilles tendon that transmit the force. Accurate diagnosis of type III and IV is dependant on MRI technology to confirm the specific location of the injury and provide proper patient treatment therapeutics.

Fractures of the Calcaneal Tuberosity Treated With Suture Fixation Through Bone Tunnels

Fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity, although rare, present a challenge for the treating surgeon. The goal of treatment is restoration of function of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex and the Achilles tendon. These fractures often occur in diabetics and elderly osteoporotic patients and therefore fixation of the displaced fragment is difficult. Displaced fractures, if not recognized and promptly reduced, often result in secondary soft tissue compromise. Often, the fragment is a small shell of osteoporotic bone, which is less than optimal for bony fixation. We present our technique for surgical fixation of calcaneal tuberosity fractures using a suture placed through bone tunnels in the calcaneal body. This technique is used by itself for smaller fragments or supplemented with screw fixation for larger fragments.