Sanders Classification Research Articles

Calcaneus Fracture Fixation: Assessing the Adequacy of the Sinus Tarsi Surgical Fixation Technique

Category: Trauma; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Intra-articular calcaneus fractures are devastating injuries, and life-changing for patients that develop post-traumatic arthritis, a common outcome. Debate exists as to whether non-operative symptomatic management, or operative treatment, best manages these injuries, partially due to the difficulty of achieving anatomic subtalar joint reduction. Traditionally, a large, lateral extensile incision has been used, plagued with soft tissue complications quoted at rates upwards of 22%. A less invasive incision, the limited sinus tarsi approach (ST-a), has become more common, proposed to lower complication rates without compromising radiographic nor clinical outcomes. The primary purpose of this study was to objectively assess the adequacy of joint reduction along with the associated soft tissue complications using the ST-a and compare it to the standards of the lateral extensile incision. Methods: All calcaneus fractures fixated through the ST-a at our institution were reviewed between March 2017 and Jan 2020. Inclusion criteria included the presence of preoperative and post-operative X-rays and CT scans. Primary outcomes were radiographic measures, including Bohler's angle on X-ray, and the maximum summative step deformity at the posterior facet of the subtalar joint in all three planes on CT scan. Secondary clinical outcomes included soft tissue complications (infection, delayed wound healing) and the need for reoperation. Results: Thirty patients were included with an average age of 48.9 +- 13.9 (n=24 males, n=6 females) and Sanders classification of 2.8. Pre-operatively, the mean Bohler's angle and summative posterior facet step deformity were 5.8 +- 16.6° and 17.2 +- 9.3mm, respectively. These radiographic outcomes were significantly improved postoperatively to 27.2 +- 7.7° and 5.3 +- 2.9mm. Soft tissue complication rates were half that of the comparative extensile approach. Conclusion: Using the ST-a, radiographic joint reduction was acceptable compared to literature standards. There was subsequently a lower incidence of soft tissue complications than previously quoted for the lateral extensile approach. Although technically more demanding, the ST-a is a valuable method for the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures and should be considered when planning operative management of intra-articular calcaneus fractures.

Predictive Factors of Poor Outcome in Sanders Type III and IV Calcaneal Fractures Treated with an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with Plate: A Medium-Term Follow-Up.

Background: Consensus on the treatment for severely comminuted calcaneus fractures has yet to be found. This study aims to analyze the functional and radiological short- and medium-term outcomes of displaced calcaneus fractures of type III and IV treated with ORIF, and to identify, if present, the early predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Methods: Thirty-three calcaneal fractures were included, 23 type III and 10 type IV, according to Sanders classification. AOFAS scales for ankle and hindfoot and SF-12 were used. Böhler and Gissane angles were analyzed before and after surgery. Results: The minimum follow-up was six years. The mean AOFAS score at six months was 16.5 points (24.2 ± 10.8 vs 10.8 ± 9.5; p = 0.03) with better outcomes in patients with Sanders type III fractures. This difference decreased in the subsequent follow-up. Likewise, the mental and physical score of SF-12 had the same trend. Two wound infections and no deep infections were recorded in the Sanders type III fracture group. Instead, in the Sanders type IV group, there were four wound infections and one deep infection. Conclusions: Clinical and radiological outcomes in Sanders Type III and Type IV calcaneus fractures treated with plate and screws were very similar in long-term follow-up. If ORIF provided better short- to medium-term follow-up in Sanders type III fracture, these benefits have been lost in six years. Polytrauma and psychiatric patients showed significantly lower clinical outcomes in long-term follow-up, appearing as the most reliable negative predictors.

Short-term effectiveness of TiRobot combined with O-arm navigation system in minimally invasive treatment of hindfoot fracture

To investigate the short-term effectiveness of TiRobot combined with O-arm navigation system in the minimally invasive treatment of hindfoot fracture. Between March 2019 and March 2021, 25 patients with hindfoot fractures were admitted. There were 14 males and 11 females, with an average age of 51.7 years (range, 19-76 years). The causes of injuries included falling from height in 17 cases and traffic accident in 8 cases. The interval between injury and operation was 1-3 days (mean, 2.1 days). There were 16 cases of calcaneus fracture, 7 cases of talus fracture, and 2 cases of calcaneus and talus fractures. According to Sanders classification criteria, the calcaneus fractures were classified as type Ⅱ in 10 cases and type Ⅲ in 8 cases; according to the Hawkins classification criteria, the talus fractures were classified as type Ⅱ in 4 cases and type Ⅲ in 5 cases. Preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was 48.1±9.1. During operation, the fractures were fixed with the percutaneous cannulated screws with the assistance of the TiRobot combined with the O-arm navigation system. The operation time, hospital stay, and the occurrence of related complications were recorded. X-ray films were reviewed to evaluate the fracture healing and the occurrence of talus osteonecrosis, and the width, length, height, Böhler's angle, and Gissane's angle of the calcaneus were measured; AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was used to evaluated the foot function. The operation time ranged from 47 to 71 minutes (mean, 60.5 minutes). The length of hospital stay ranged from 2 to 5 days (mean, 3.4 days). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17.3 months). One patient demonstrated hypoesthesia on the lateral side of foot after operation and recovered after symptomatic treatment. All fractures healed confirmed by X-ray films and the healing time ranged from 10 to 16 weeks (mean, 11.8 weeks). No talus osteonecrosis occurred during follow-up. There were significant differences in the width, length, height, Böhler's angle, and Gissane's angle of the calcaneus between pre-operation and at last follow -up ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 91.2±5.0, the difference was significant when compared with preoperative score ( t=22.169, P<0.001). The results were excellent in 16 cases and good in 9 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. TiRobot combined with O-arm navigation system for minimally invasive treatment of hindfoot fractures can obtain the satisfactory short-term effectiveness, with the advantages of less surgical trauma, precise fixation, and fewer complications.

An evaluation of the efficacy of percutaneous reduction and screw fixation without bone grafting in Sanders Type-II and Type-III displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures

BackgroundThe aim of this retrospective monocentric study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous reduction and screw fixation without bone grafting in Sanders Type-II and Type-III displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs).MethodsThe medical records of calcaneal fractures patients who were admitted to our department from January 2018 to January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed, and those meeting the inclusion criteria were fnally included for analysis. All patients were treated with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation, and no patients received bone grafting. The radiologic parameters evaluated included the BÖhler angle and the calcaneal height. In addition, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scores, Maryland Foot Score (MFS), and visual analog scale (VAS) score were determined.ResultsThirty-eight patients with Sanders Type-II and Type-III DIACFs were finally included, including 30 males and 8 females aged 21 to 61 years [(42.6 ± 9.6) years]. According to the Essex-Lopresti classification, 27 of the fractures were the tongue type, and 11 were the joint compression type. According to the Sanders classification, 27 of the fractures were type II, and 11 were type III. Immediately postoperatively, the calcaneal height had recovered to 39.8 ± 2.1 mm, the BÖhler angle had recovered from 4.2° ± 13.6° preoperatively to 27.2° ± 3.4° (P = 0.000). All patients were followed up for 18–42 months [(25.2 ± 9.5) months]. All fractures healed. No differences were found in the outcome measures six-months postoperatively (BÖhler angle, p = 0.24; calcaneal height, p = 0.82) or at final follow-up (BÖhler angle, p = 0.33; calcaneal height, p = 0.28) compared to the immediately postoperative values. At the final follow-up, the AOFAS score was 91.7 ± 7.4 points, with an excellent and good rate of 92.1%; the MFS was 90.3 ± 7.8 points, with an excellent and good rate of 92.1%; and the VAS score was 2.2 ± 1.5 points. None of the patients had incision complications, and one patient developed traumatic arthritis.ConclusionPercutaneous reduction and screw fixation without bone grafting in Sanders Type-II and Type-III DIACFs can achieve good recovery and maintenance of the BÖhler angle and calcaneal height. Moreover, it has the advantage of a low complication rate.

All-inside subtalar arthroscopy through three portals combined with rafting screws technique for the treatment of the calcaneal fractures of Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ

Objective: To investigate the surgical technology and clinical efficacy of using the all-inside subtalar arthroscopy through three portals combined with rafting screws technique for the treatment of the calcaneal fractures of Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Methods: The clinical data of 33 patients (33 feet) with intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures treated by modified all-inside arthroscopic from March 2017 to March 2019 at Department of Orthopedics,Xuzhou Central Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.There were 19 male patients,and 14 female patients,aged (32.6±11.3) years(range:20 to 55 years). According to the Sanders classification,there were 12 cases of type Ⅱ and 21 cases of type Ⅲ. The duration from injury to surgery was (101.2±32.1) hours(range:6 to 140 hours).The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) was 6.4±2.9 (range: 4 to 8); The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and the SF-36 score was 63.3±11.8 (range:50 to 75) and 94.8±9.1 (range:70 to 105) respectively.All the patients were managed with the all-side subtalar arthroscopy through three portals combined with rafting screws technique.The incision healing,reduction of fracture,and fracture healing were recorded.The VAS,AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale,and SF-36 score were used to assess the pain and functional outcomes.Repeated-measurement was used to compare the scores before and after surgery. Results: The time of operation was (69.7±10.4) minutes (range:40 to 110 minutes). All patients did not undergo bone grafting.The incision healed in one stage without complications of skin sensory and peroneal tendon injury.All patients were followed up for 24 months.At the last follow-up,all the patients were satisfied with the hindfoot alignment,function,and hindfoot appearance.Postoperative calcaneal imaging indicators (calcaneal length,calcaneal width,calcaneal height,Bohler angle and Gissane angle) were significantly improved compared with those before surgery (P<0.01).There was no statistically significant difference in the imaging indexes of calcaneus at 1 day,1 year and 2 years after surgery,indicating no loss of fracture reduction (all P>0.05).The VAS,AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale,and SF-36 score were 1.5±0.4 (range: 0 to 2),94.0±6.5 (range:90 to 100),and 119.1±7.2 (range:105 to 130),respectively,which were better than those before surgery (all P>0.05).According to the AOFAS scoring system,27 cases were excellent,4 cases were good, 2 cases were fair,and the excellent and good rate was 94.0%. Conclusion: All-inside subtalar arthroscopy through three portals combined with rafting screws technique for the treatment of the calcaneal fractures of Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ provides precise reduction,reliable fixation,satisfactory function and limited complications,which is an alternative method.

Plating technique outcome evaluation in calcaneal fracture based on American orthopaedics foot and ankle score and Böhler-Gissane angle: A case series.

IntroductionIntraarticular Calcaneal fracture treatment nowadays is still up for debate. Surgical plating treatment is favorable because of the rapid healing process and better anatomical reduction despite the invasive intervention. Hence, clinical evaluation is needed to assess the quality-of-life index from foot and ankle by the American orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score postoperatively. Then, the outcome evaluation of reduction in calcaneal plating of intraarticular calcaneal fracture with Böhler angle and Gissane angle to see if the calcaneal plating technique is a recommended treatment for the calcaneal fracture.MethodsWe treated six patients from December 2020–July 2021 with a calcaneal fracture that underwent surgical plating, mainly by one surgeon. A calcaneal fracture is classified according to sanders classification. In this study, four patients are above the age of 40, and two are under 25. Pre-operative Böhler angle ranged from 8 to 65°, and Gissane angle ranged from 134 to 158°.OutcomesSurgical plating was performed on all six patients. From clinical evaluation using the AOFAS score, we got satisfactory results on all patients who underwent calcaneal plating surgery. Three patients achieved excellent range outcomes with 95% and 99% of AOFAS Scores, and three patients reported AOFAS score good range outcomes with the lowest score of 88%. From the radiological outcome, most of the patient's Böhler and Gissane angles achieved normal value after surgical plating.ConclusionThe calcaneal plating technique gives better anatomical reduction depending on Bohler and Gissane angle. These results promise that anatomical reduction can improve clinical outcomes based on the AOFAS score. Thus, the plating method can be used effectively to treat an intraarticular calcaneal fracture.

Can 3-Dimensional Printing for Calcaneal Fracture Surgery Decrease Operation Time and Improve Quality of Fracture Reduction?

We investigated whether 3-dimensional (3D) printed models can decrease operation time and improve the quality of reduction for calcaneal fractures. The study involved 48 patients with unilateral intra-articular calcaneal fractures, who were retrospectively case-matched according to Sander's classification, age, and sex. Group A (24 patients) was operated using 3D printed models as a preoperative and intraoperative tool, and group B (24 patients) was operated using standard techniques without 3D printed model. Operation time was significantly shorter for group A, compared to group B (82.3 ± 13.2 vs 91.4 ± 16.0, p = .036). The differences between the radiological parameters of operated calcaneus, compared to the normal side was similar between the 2 groups (Böhler angle, 5.3° ± 3.9° vs 4.2° ± 4.7°, p = .45, Gissane angle, 5.9° ± 12.5° vs 8.4° ± 11.0°, p = .54). The number of screws projecting more than 5 mm from the cortex was lower in group A than in group B (7/187, 4% vs 16/208, 8%, p = .11). The number of screw holes of the plate cut intraoperatively was significantly lower for group A compared to group B (1 vs 138). Although group A started weightbearing 3 to 4 weeks earlier than group B, the radiological parameters were similar between groups that early weightbearing was possible for group A using the 3D printed models (Böhler angle, - 1.5° ± 0.8° vs - 1.8° ± 1.2°, p = .28, Gissane angle, 2.5° ± 2.6° vs 3.5° ± 4.3°, p = .39). The operation time was shorter while using the 3D printed models, compared to that of the standard technique without using the 3D printed model. The radiological parameters were not statistically different, and the quality of fracture reduction seemed similar. However, with the use of 3D printed models, early weightbearing was possible without significant subsidence of reduced fragments or failure of fracture reduction, comparable to non-weightbearing cases.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy for Vertebral Body Tethering of Juvenile and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Tips and Tricks of Surgical Multidisciplinary Management.

VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) is routinely and successfully performed in minor and major complex thoracic procedures. This technique has been recently introduced for the treatment of severe forms of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) with the aim to repair the deformity, reduce morbidity and to prevent its progression in patients with skeletal immaturity. This study aims to present VATS in anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) approach to support the pediatric orthopedic surgeons during vertebral body fixation. Surgical and anesthesiologic tips and tricks are reported to assure a safe procedure. The study includes preadolescents with IS and a grade of scoliosis >40° that had a high probability of deterioration due to remaining growth (December 2018 to April 2021). Skeletal immaturity of enrolled patients was assessed by Sanders classification and Risser sign. Patients had a Risser score between 0 and 1 and a Sanders score >2 and <5. AVBT technique using VATS was performed by a senior pediatric surgeon assisting the pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Twenty-three patients have been submitted to VATS AVBT in the period of study (age range 9–14 years). The patients had a classified deformity Lenke 1A or B convex right and all types of curves were treated. In all patients, the vertebrae submitted to tethering surgery ranged from D5 to D12; mean curve correction was 43%. Three postoperative complications occurred: one late postoperative bleeding requiring a chest tube positioning on 12th postoperative day; one screw dislodged and needed to be removed; one child showed worsening of the scoliosis and needed a posterior arthrodesis. Initial results of VATS AVBT in growing patients with spinal deformities are encouraging. An appropriate selection of patients and a pediatric dedicated multidisciplinary surgical approach decrease intraoperative complications, time of operation and postoperative sequelae and guarantee an optimal outcome.

Discussion on Calcaneal Fracture and Its Classification and Treatment

Calcaneal fracture is the most common tarsal fracture of the foot, which is mostly caused by violence. At present, the most popular classification methods are Sanders classification and Exes-Lopsti classification. Sanders classification is often used to judge the treatment and prognosis of calcaneal fractures. The earliest widely accepted classification is Exes-Lopsti classification. For different types of calcaneal fractures, we can choose a variety of treatment methods, such as non-operative treatment, open reduction and internal fixation, round needle reduction and stabilization and so on. Clinically, the appropriate treatment should be selected according to the degree of injury, classification and physical condition of the patients.

Screws Only Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis for Calcaneus Fractures

Category:Hindfoot; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:The initial management of displaced intraarticular calcaneus fractures (DIACFs) is a difficult problem. The results of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) have been disappointing. Alternatively, ORIF with primary subtalar arthrodesis (PSTA) has gained increasing popularity. The purpose of this study is to review patient-centered and radiographic outcomes of ORIF plus PSTA using screws alone through a sinus tarsi approach.Methods:A retrospective study of all patients from 2013-2019 who underwent ORIF+PSTA for DIACFs was conducted. The same surgical technique was utilized in all cases consisting of only screws, no plates were utilized. Delayed surgeries past 8 weeks were excluded. Demographic and radiographic data was collected. Worker's compensation (WC) claims were noted and analyzed separately. Plain radiographs were assessed preoperatively and post-operatively and Sander's classification was used to characterize injuries. Patient reported outcomes (PROs), complications, and need for revision surgeries was also noted and analyzed at final follow-up.Results:In total, forty-eight DIACFs underwent PSTA with a median follow-up of 194 days. Median time to weight-bearing was 60 days post-operatively. Three fractures were documented as Sanders II, 22 as Sanders III, and 23 as Sanders IV. Seventy-five percent of the WC group returned to work compared to just 58.3% in the non-WC group (p=0.0003). Patients in the WC group were more likely to have had an abnormal pre-operative Bohler's angle (p=0.047) but the two groups did not differ significantly in postoperative Gissane or Bohler angles. Nearly 85% (N=41) achieved >=2 zones of fusion on radiographs by final follow up and 95.8% (N=46) had at least one. Four patients had a complication and 3 required a return to the operative room.Conclusion:Utilizing Screws only primary subtalar arthrodesis for the treatment of DIACFs through a sinus tarsi approach shows promising results with high rates of return to work and fusion, even in the workers' compensation population.

Comparison of Clinical Results Between Locking Plate Fixation and Screw Fixation for Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures

Category:Trauma; HindfootIntroduction/Purpose:The purpose of this study is to compare the results of the two fixation groups for intra-articular calcaneal fractures based on the hypothesis that the locking plate group (P-group) can have a less corrective loss but smaller range of motion due to soft tissue contracture than the screw alone group (S-group).Methods:P-group included ten feet, five feet of which were categorized as Sanders classification type 2, four as type 3, one as type 4. S-group included 11 feet, nine as type 2, two as type 3. In both groups, small incisions such as sinus tarsi approach were used, and P-group was fixed with a locking plate, and canulated cancellous screws if necessary, while S-group was fixed with canulated cancellous screws only. We assessed range of motion of the ankle joint and subtalar joint, Creighton-Nebraska scale (CN scale) and pre- and postoperative width and height of the calcaneal body and step of subtalar joint surface.Results:The mean postoperative range of motion in the P-group / S-group was 15°/46.2° / 13.2°/45.9° for ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, and 5°/13° / 5.5°/16° for subtalar joint eversion/inversion, respectively. The mean postoperative clinical score was 89.8+-9.5 points / 93.9+-8.0 points on the CN scale, and the mean pre- and postoperative imaging evaluation showed improvements in the mean width from 120.7+-8.9% to 107+-6.7% / 122.6+-13.4% to 112.9+-10.7%, in the mean height from 88.7+-4.6% to 97.8+-3.3% / 88.3+-5.8% to 99.4+-5.3%, and in the mean step of subtalar joint surface from 6.2+-5.3 mm to 0.7+-1.1 mm / 10.5+-7.6 mm to 1.5+-2.5 mm. As complications, peroneal tendinopathy and transient peroneal neuropathy were observed in one case each in the both groups.Conclusion:There was no significant difference between the two groups in the corrective loss and postoperative range of motion.

Low Risk of Wound Complications With Sinus Tarsi Approach for Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures

BackgroundOperative management displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures is commonly associated with wound complications. Open reduction internal fixation is traditionally performed through the extensile lateral approach has relatively high rates of wound complications. The sinus tarsi approach to displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures is a less invasive approach to achieve fracture reduction and fixation as well as reduce wound healing complications. The purpose of this study is to report the rates of wound complications associated with the sinus tarsi approach in the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures. MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients treated with a limited sinus tarsi approach for displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures from January 2009 to December 2018. Demographic and radiographic data were collected including age, gender, mechanism of injury, occupation, presence of diabetes mellitus, smoking status, Sanders classification, Bohler and Gissane angles. Postoperatively, we recorded the presence of complications, return-to-work time, and radiographic measurements. ResultsOne hundred and five fractures were identified in 100 patients who underwent open reduction internal fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures. Using the Sanders computed tomographic classification, we identified 32% Type 2, 48% Type 3, 18% Type 4, and 2% tongue-type variants. For the preoperative Bohler's angle, 38% of fractures displayed a negative angle, 50% had an angle 0° to 20°, and 12% over 20°. Postoperatively, all patients demonstrated an improvement in Bohler's angle with 13% with 0° to 20° and 87% over 20°. Approximately, 72% of patients working prior to the injury had returned to work by 6 months, and 89% by 12 months. The wound complication rate was 11.9% (12/105), with 1.9% (2/105) requiring additional procedures. There was no significant difference in wound complication rates in smokers versus nonsmokers (11.9% vs 12.2%, p = .55). ConclusionOperative management of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures through the sinus tarsi approach allows restoration of calcaneal height with a low rate of wound complications, even among active smokers.

Which one Affects More to Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Pediatric Calcaneus Fractures? Is the Severity of Trauma or the Applied Surgical Technique?

Objective: The aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of pediatric calcaneus fractures treated in our hospital in terms of age, treatment techniques and trauma severity and to compare with the literature&#x0D; Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted on 22 pediatric patients (28 calcaneus fractures) treated with surgery for calcaneus fractures in our hospital from March 2005 to January 2020. There were seven patients (patients between 3 and 6 years old) in group 1 and 15 patients (between 7 and 16 years old) in group 2. &#x0D; Results: 17 fractures were treated with the CRPP technique, 11 fractures were treated with the ORIF technique. The mean age was 11.4 months (range 3–16). Average follow-up time 81.54 months (range 12-156). There is a significant relationship between age and CRPP(p:0.000), but not with ORIF(p:0.10). The most important result of our study is that there is no significant difference between AOFAS scores with CRPP and ORIF techniques (P: 0.167 and p: 0.20, respectively). The second most important result in our study was that there was a significant relationship between Essex Lopresti and Sanders classification to AOFAS score(p: 0.013 in both.).&#x0D; Conclusion : Immature calcaneus fractures are rare, and those without anatomical reduction, as in adults, have poor results. In pediatric calcaneus fractures, fragmentation due to the severity of trauma, cartilage damage, cancellous bone loss and their consequence may cause circulatory disorders between the fracture parts. As a result, post-traumatic arthritis may develop even if anatomical reduction is made. The most important thing that determines the result in pediatric calcaneus fractures is how high energy the fracture occurs rather than the surgical technique to be chosen.

Comparative study on curative effect of minimally invasive locking plate for the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures via sinus tarsi approach

To compare clinical efficacy of minimally invasive locking plate and anatomic locking plate in treating intra-articular calcaneal fractures via sinus tarsi approach. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 48 patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with surgery via sinus tarsi approach from July 2016 to June 2017. According to differernt methods of internal fixation, the patients were divided into minimally invasive locking plate group and anatomic locking plate group. In minimally invasive locking plate group, there were 14 males and 10 females, aged from 27 to 46 years old with an average age of (38.70±5.58) years old, 18 patients were typeⅡand 6 patients were type Ⅲ according to Sanders classification. In anatomic locking plate group, there were 17 males and 7 females, aged from 26 to 46 years old with an average age of (37.10±6.44) years old, 16 patients were typeⅡ and 8 patients were type Ⅲ according to Sanders classification. Operative time, visual analogue scale (VAS), postoperative complications between two groups were compared, and Böhler angle, Gissane angal, calcaneal width and height were recorded and compared between two groups at 1 week after operation and final follow up. The functional effect was assessed according to Maryland foot function score at final follow up. All patients were followed up for (14.10±1.94) months (ranged 12 to 18 months). All patients were obtained bone union from 8 to 16 weeks with an average of (10.60±2.25) weeks. Operation time, VAS score and complication rate in minimally invasive locking plate group were (69.50±7.51) min, (2.80±1.07) and 2 cases respectively, and (77.50±7.15) min, (3.80±1.09) and 8 cases in anatomic locking plate group respectively, there were statistical difference between two groups (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically differences in Maryland foot function score, Böhler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal width and height at 1 week after opertaion and final follow-up between two groups (P>0.05). Compare with anatomic locking plate, minimally invasive locking plate via sinus tarsi approach for Sanders typeⅡ and Ⅲ intra-articular calcaneal fractures could obtain similar reliable fixation and functional recovery with more simple operation, shorter operative time, lighter postoperative pain and less complications.

Case control study on the application of artificial bone and autogenous bone in internal fixation of complex calcaneal fracture with special-shaped plate

To compare clinical effects of artificial bone and autogenous bone in internal fixation of complex calcaneal fracture with profitated plate. From April 2015 to April 2019, 60 patients with complex calcaneal fractures were treated with open reduction and heteromorphic plate internal fixation, and were divided into experiment group and control group by implant bone substitutes, and 30 patients in each group. In experiment group, there were 21 males and 9 females aged from 18 to 71 years old with an average of (36.85±7.42) years old;19 patients were classified to type Ⅲ and 11 patients were type Ⅳ according to Sanders classification;implanted with artificial bone. While in control group, there were 23 males and 7 females aged from 20 to69 years old with an average of (37.26±7.38) years old;18 patients were classified to type Ⅲ and 12 patients were type Ⅳ according to Sanders classification; implanted with autogenous bone. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, drying time of incision, fracture healing time and complications were compared between two groups, changes of preoperative and postoperative Böhler angle and Gissane angle were also compared, and Maryland scoring was applied to evaluate recovery of affected foot. Both of two groups were followed up from 3 to 15 months with an average of (10.15±2.67) months. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss in experiment group were (89.32±12.43) min, (101.64±5.13) ml, respectively;while in control group were (112.45±13.82) min, (119.01±5.26) ml, respectively;and there were statistical difference between two groups (P<0.05). There were no differences in drying time of incision, fracture healing time and complications between two groups(P>0.05). Preoperative and postoperative Böhler angle at 3 months in experiment group were (14.19± 2.47)°, (34.52±4.41)°;while in control group were (14.08±2.35)°, (33.67±4.36)°;preoperative and postoperative Gissane angel at 3 months in experiment group were (90.16±6.43)°, (131.45±9.83)°;while in control group were (90.11±6.37)°, (130.87±9.24)°;there were statistical significance in Böhler angle and Gissane angel compared with 3 months after operation and before operation between two groups (P<0.05);while no difference at 3 months after operation between two groups (P> 0.05). There were no statistical meaning in Maryland items, total score and good rate between two groups at the final following up (P>0.05). Artificial bone and autogenous bone in internal fixation of complex calcaneal fracture with irregular plate have similar function in promoting fracture healing, drying time of incision, fracture healing time and complications, while artificial bone has better effects in reducing intraoperative blood loss, shorten operation time.

Case control study on anatomical locking plate and ordinary steel plate for the treatment of closed calcaneal fracture with SandersⅡand Ⅲ

To compare clinical efficacy between anatomical locking plate (ALP) and ordinary steel plate (OSP) in treating closed calcaneal fractures with SandersⅡ and Ⅲ. From May 2016 to May 2018, 68 patients with closed Sanders typeⅡ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures were retrospectively analyzed, and were divided into anatomical locking plate group (ALP group) and ordinary steel plate group (OSP group) according to two kinds of plate fixation, and 34 patients in each group. In ALP group, there were 21 males and 13 females aged from 20 to 63 years old with average of (35.16±8.45) years old; 14 patients were typeⅡand 20 patients were type Ⅲaccording to Sanders classification;treated with ALP. In OSP group, there were 20 males and 14 females aged from 19 to 63 years old with average of (35.05±8.39) years old;19 patients were typeⅡand 15 patients were type Ⅲ according to Sanders classification;treated with OSP. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss and complications between two groups were observed and compared;preoperative and postoperative Böhler angle and gissane angle were also compared;American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hind foot scores, foot and ankle disability index (FADI) scores were applied to evaluate clinical effect. All patients were followed up from 11 to 14 months with an average of (12.06±0.81) months. There were no statistical differences in opertive time, intraoperative blood loss, incision infection and refracture rate in complications between two groups (P>0.05);while there was significant difference in the number of screw loosening (P<0.05). Böhler angle and Gissane angle in ALP group at 6 and 12 months after opertaion were higher than that of OSP group (P<0.05), and the degree of improvement of Böhler angle and Gissane angle in ALP group were also higher than that of OSP group (P<0.05). Postopertaive AOFAS score and FADI score at 6 and 12 months in ALP group were higher than that of OSP group (P<0.05), while no statistical difference in AOFAS grading between two groups(P>0.05). Compared with OSP, ALP in treating SandersⅡ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures could achieve better therapeutic effect, avoid screw loosening, reduce complications, and improve limb function in further.

Inter-rater reliability of Böhler and Gissane angles in different calcaneal fracture according to the Essex-Lopresti and Sanders classifications

Objective: To evaluate the inter-rater reliability and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) of Böhler’s angle and the critical angle of Gissane in calcaneal fractures, stratified by severity and by the Essex-Lopresti and Sanders classifications. Methods: Retrospective study of radiographs obtained from 97 patients: 67 with calcaneal fractures and 30 with normal lateral radiographs (used as a control group). Böhler’s angle and the angle of Gissane were measured by six raters: two orthopedic surgery residents, two musculoskeletal radiologists, a foot and ankle surgery fellow, and a senior consultant in foot surgery. Statistical analysis of inter-rater reliability was performed for the two angles, in the sample overall and stratified by the different radiographic and CT subtypes of calcaneal fractures. Results: For the angle of Gissane, the ICC was at best 0.400 (95% CI: 0.250 to 0.581) for normal radiographs, with poor agreement across all classifications and severity stratifications. For Böhler’s angle, the ICC values indicated weak to moderate agreement, with the best reproducibility obtained for the overall sample (0.740; 95% CI: 0.673 to 0.801). In Sanders type 1 fractures, the ICC was 0.704 (95% CI: 0.397 to 0.940), and in Sanders type 2 fractures, 0.762 (95% CI: 0.634 to 0.870). Conclusion: Böhler’s angle is more reproducible than the critical angle of Gissane, with greater inter-rater reliability among fractures deemed less severe on the Sanders classification, although the overall ICC ranged from weak to moderate at best. Level of Evidence III; Case Control Study; Diagnostic Studies.

Does Sectioning and Then Repairing of the Calcaneofibular Ligament at Subtalar Approach Lead to Residual Lateral Ankle Instability?

The calcaneofibular ligament is cut to increase vision in surgical field in minimally invasive surgery of displaced intraarticular calcaneus fractures with subtalar incision. We aimed to investigate whether this causes talar tilt instability in ankle stress radiographs due to the calcaneofibular ligament deficiency in postoperative period. The files of 38 patients who were operated with the diagnosis of displaced calcaneus fracture between 2013 and 2018 were examined retrospectively. All the cases underwent with subtalar approach and the calcaneofibular ligament was repaired after the operation. The age, sex, injury mechanism, follow-up length, type of fracture by the Sanders classification, preoperative and postoperative Bohler's and Gissane's angle measurements, talar tilt measurements of intact and fractured side, postoperative calcaneal length, calcaneal height and calcaneal width of the cases were recorded. The obtained data were evaluated statistically. 31 (81.6%) of the cases were men, seven (18.4%) were women. The average age was 31.92±7.95 years. The average follow-up time was 15.82±3.33 months. The preoperative Bohler's angle was 14.16±3.67 degree, while the postoperative Bohler's angle was 31.53±4.60 degree (P<0.05). The average talar tilt was 0.96±0.87 degrees on the intact side and 1.19±1.12 degrees on the fractured side (P:0.001). Although the talar tilt values were statistically higher on the fractured side than the intact side, no radiological instability finding was found in any case. The average postoperative Gissane's angles were 126.45±6.69 degrees. The calcaneal length (P:0.665), calcaneal width (P:0.212) and calcaneal height (P:0.341) were statistically similar between the postoperative fractured foot and intact foot. Sectioning of the calcaneofibular ligament in the surgical treatment with subtalar approach does not cause lateral ankle instability in stress radiographs but may cause laxity. Possible postoperative lateral ankle injuries can be prevented by ankle proprioception exercises.

Three-Dimensional Imaging of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures Correlates With the Perioperative Diagnosis.

Background:Intra-articular calcaneal fractures are complex injuries, and CT imaging has become the standard imaging in the preoperative assessment. Most classifications of these fractures are CT-based but have been associated with limited interobserver agreement. Three-dimensional imaging has become widely available and may give a better perspective but often with 1 image only. There is not much evidence of the added value of this imaging, compared with the CT imaging.Methods:Eight experienced trauma surgeons assessed 28 different intra-articular calcaneal fractures, on conventional radiology (CR), CT, and 3-D imaging. All had extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of this difficult injury. The main questions concerned Sanders classification, the severity of the injury and the difficulty of the operative procedure, choice of approach, and choice of procedure.Results:The classical 2-D CT imaging of the fractures were associated with a higher Sanders classification ranking, compared with the 3-D imaging scores. However, the interobserver agreement, as measured by the Fleiss kappa, was low for all 3 imaging modalities. We found more frequent Sanders III and IV classifications with CT scan imaging compared with 3-D imaging or CR. The scores obtained after assessing 3-D imaging were also not statistically significantly different from the scores of a consensus achieved by 2 authors and based on the 3 imaging modalities and the perioperative diagnosis.Conclusion:The 3-D imaging may result in a more realistic view, reducing the frequency of classifying Sanders III fractures than with the 2-D CT imaging series. 3-D imaging may be more reliable than CT in the planning of operative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.Level of Evidence:Level III.

The epidemiology and clinical features of calcaneus osteomyelitis following calcaneus fracture: a retrospective study of 127 cases.

To analyze the epidemiology and features of calcaneus osteomyelitis following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) after closed calcaneus fracture. We retrospectively analyzed 127 cases who were diagnosed with calcaneal osteomyelitis following ORIF via the extended lateral "L-shaped" approach after closed calcaneus fracture between March 2016 and August 2019 in our hospital. We analyzed participant demographics including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), trauma mechanism, Sanders classification, co-morbidity, time between initial injury and surgery, operating time, soft tissue stripping tools, tourniquet pressure, bone grafting option, internal fixation option, presence of bleeding after tourniquet deflation, and drainage option. The majority of cases (n=127) were male (4.5 times more than female gender), at a ratio of 4.47:1. Falling from height was the main trauma mechanism (79.53%), followed by traffic accident (14.17%), and jumping (6.3%). A total of 51 cases (40.16%) were left-side fractures, and 76 (59.84%) were right-sided. According to the Sanders classification, 12 cases were type II (9.45%), 61 cases were type III (48.03%), and 54 cases were type IV (42.52%). There were 25 participants with the co-morbidity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (19.69%), 7 with hypertension (5.51%), and 1 case each of psoriasis and sicca syndrome (0.8%). The mean time to surgery was 4.7 days (4-9 days), and 123 participants (96.85%) were treated within 7 days. The mean operating time was 102.1 min (75-135 min). Forty-four participants (34.65%) received the conventional scalpel and 83 participants (65.35%) the electric scalpel during soft tissue stripping intraoperatively. The mean tourniquet pressure was 432.3 mmHg (350-550 mmHg). Autologous bone grafting was observed in 6 cases (4.72%), allograft bone grafting in 11 cases (8.67%), and OsteoSet grafting in 7 cases (5.51%). A locking plate was used in 114 cases (89.76) while anatomical plate in 13 cases (10.24%). A total of 27 participants (21.26%) bled after tourniquet deflation. Drainage tubes were applied in 30 participants (23.62%) while rubber drainage strips in 5 participants (3.94%). Young males dominated the calcaneus osteomyelitis following traumatic calcaneus fracture cohort in this study. A fall from height was the most frequent trauma mechanism. The presence of severe calcaneus fracture, Sanders type III (48.03%) and type IV (42.52%), were the common fracture types in this population group.