Surgical Case Series Research Articles

Endoscopic Endonasal Reconstruction of High-Flow Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak with Fascia Lata "Button" Graft and Nasoseptal Flap: Surgical Technique and Case Series.

Background The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has become increasingly used for resection of skull base tumors in the sellar and suprasellar regions. A nasoseptal flap (NSF) is routinely used for anterior skull base reconstruction; however, there are numerous additional allografts and autografts being used in conjunction with the NSF. The role of perioperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is also unclear. Objective This study was aimed to analyze success of high-flow CSF leak repair during EEA procedures without use of CSF diversion through lumbar drainage. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients who had intraoperative high-flow CSF leak during EEA procedures at our institution between January 2013 and December 2017 was performed. CSF leaks were repaired with use of a fascia lata button graft and nasoseptal flap, without use of perioperative lumbar drains. Results A total of 38 patients were identified (10 male, 28 female). Patient BMIs ranged from 19.7 to 49 kg/m 2 (median = 31 kg/m 2 ), with 18 patients meeting criteria for obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 ) and 12 patients overweight (25 kg/m 2 < BMI < 29.9 kg/m 2 ). There was no incidence of postoperative CSF leak. Conclusion In our experience, the nasoseptal flap used in conjunction with the fascia lata button graft is a safe, effective and robust combination for cranial base reconstruction with high-flow intraoperative CSF leaks, without need for lumbar drains.

Management: opinions from different centers-the Istituto Giannina Gaslini experience.

Describe presentation and management of Chiari type 1 malformation. We report our surgical case series proposing a decision making scheme for helping surgeons decide which surgical procedure to perform and when. We retrospectively examined a series of surgically treated patients with Chiari type 1 malformation. Treatment of associated anomalies, surgical complications, and need for reintervention for insufficient decompression at first surgery are discussed. A total of 172 patients have been surgically treated for Chiari type 1 malformation at the Neurosurgery Unit of IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Children Hospital of Genoa, Italy, in a period between 2006 and 2017. The first treatment addressing Chiari type 1 malformation was bone and ligamentous decompression alone in 104 patients (65%), associated with dural delamination in 3 patients (1.9%) and associated with duraplasty with autologous graft in 53 patients (33.1%). Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (2.9%). Reintervention for insufficient decompression at follow-up was needed in 6 patients (3.5%). Surgical decompression of the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) is indicated in symptomatic patients while asymptomatic patients must be followed in a wait and see fashion. Different types of surgical decompression of different invasiveness have been proposed from only bone and ligamentous decompression to coagulation of cerebellar tonsils. Intraoperative ultrasonography is a useful tool to define when a decompression is sufficient. We did not find correlation between the need for reintervention for insufficient decompression and different invasiveness of the techniques. We believe that this finding suggests that our proposed scheme leads to the best tailored treatment for the single patient.

Epidemiology of pediatric hydrocephalus in Haiti: analysis of a surgical case series.

Hydrocephalus is recognized as a common disabling pediatric disease afflicting infants and children disproportionately in the developing world, where access to neurosurgical care is limited and risk of perinatal infection is high. This surgical case series describes the Project Medishare Hydrocephalus Specialty Surgery (PMHSS) program experience treating hydrocephalus in Haiti between 2008 and 2015. The authors conducted a retrospective review of all cases involving children treated for hydrocephalus within the PMHSS program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from 2008 through 2015. All relevant epidemiological information of children treated were prospectively collected including relevant demographics, birth history, hydrocephalus etiology, head circumference, and operative notes. All appropriate associations and statistical tests were performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Among the 401 children treated within PMHSS, postinfectious hydrocephalus (PIH) accounted for 39.4% (n = 158) of cases based on clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic findings. The majority of children with hydrocephalus in Haiti were male (54.8%, n = 197), born in the rainy season (59.7%, n = 233), and born in a coastal/inland location (43.3%, n = 61). The most common surgical intervention was endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC) (45.7%, n = 175). Multivariate logistic regression analysis yielded coastal birth location (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.16-12.18) as a statistically significant predictor of PIH. Increasing head circumference (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.99-1.13) demonstrated a slight trend toward significance with the incidence of PIH. This information will provide the foundation for future clinical and public health studies to better understand hydrocephalus in Haiti. The 39.4% prevalence of PIH falls within observed rates in Africa as does the apparently higher prevalence for those born during the rainy season. Although PIH was the most frequent etiology seen in almost all birth locations, the potential relationship with geography noted in this series will be the focus of further research in an effort to understand the link between climate and PIH in Haiti. The ultimate goal will be to develop an appropriate public health strategy to reduce the burden of PIH on the children of Haiti.

Analysis of National Presentations of Surgical Case Series Discussions: What Matters to Surgeons?

BackgroundAlthough the surgical case series is a useful study design for surgical disciplines, elements of its presentation have not been standardized with a widely accepted reporting guideline. Hence, case series may not include all components necessary for surgeons to best interpret their results. We aimed to determine core elements of case series through qualitative analysis of discussions after presentations at national meetings. MethodsCase series with accompanying discussions in three high-impact journals from 2010 to 2015 were analyzed with conventional content analysis. All interrogative sentences were selected for analysis and were classified by a redundant iterative process into descriptive categories and subcategories. ResultsTwo hundred twenty-one case series were identified, 56 of which included discussion transcripts. Four hundred seventy six unique interrogatives were classified into 4 categories and 13 subcategories. The main categories identified were “Application of Results to Patient Care,” “Clarification of Study Methodology,” “Facilitation of Author Insight,” and “Request for Additional Study-Specific Data.” The most frequent subcategories of inquiry pertained to the changes to current standard of care, clarification of study variables, and subgroup data and outcomes. ConclusionsWe determined major themes of inquiry that reflected core elements surgeons use to evaluate case series for relevance and applicability to their own practice. Discussants frequently questioned how the study's results changed the author's standard of care. Specifically encouraging surgical case series authors to comment on changes they made to their practice as a result of their findings would allow the surgical audience to quickly assess potential clinical applicability.

Arthroscopic reduction of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture using two cross-linked pull-out sutures: A surgical technique and case series

Surgical treatment of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial avulsion fracture is challenging due to the deep-seated location of the lesion with complex adjacent anatomy and usually with small-sized bone fragment. We introduce a novel arthroscopic reduction technique using two cross-linked pull-out sutures (2XLPOS) through triple bone tunnels in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial avulsion fracture.Posterior trans-septal portal was established following the four standard arthroscopic portals. Bilateral margins of the PCL with 1∼2 mm margin from the border were penetrated using suture hook. Fiberwire sling tied with a No. 0 PDS knot was introduced anterior to the PCL by the two posteriorly pulled shuttle sutures. Three bone tunnels were drilled in the inferomedial, inferolateral, and apex edge of the avulsed tibial crater. Each end of the Fiberwire was drawn out through the inferomedial and inferolateral bone tunnel, respectively. Two ends of the No. 0 PDS were drawn out through the apex tunnel by the same manner. Fiberwire was tied on the anteromedial aspect of the proximal tibia with one strand of the No. 0 PDS placed underneath the Fiberwire knot. And, the No. 0 PDS loop was tied to complete cross-linking of pull-out construct.Arthroscopic reduction of PCL tibial insertion avulsion fracture using 2XLPOS technique was performed in eleven patients. Mean range of motion at the first postoperative year was 126.8°. Mean Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, and IKDC was 69.2, 4.2, and 58.1, respectively. Posterior instability decreased from mean 12.6 mm preoperatively to 3.2 mm at 1-year postoperative follow up. Radiographic union of the fracture site was confirmed in 11 cases. Our new surgical technique yielded good clinical and radiological outcome, and we consider it is unique in utilizing two cross-linked sling type pull-out suture constructs and triple bone tunnels for their passage.

The PROCESS 2018 statement: Updating Consensus Preferred Reporting Of CasE Series in Surgery (PROCESS) guidelines

IntroductionThe PROCESS guidelines were published in 2016 to provide a structure for reporting surgical case series. The PROCESS guidelines have since been widely endorsed by a number of journals. The requirement to report compliance with each item outlined in the PROCESS statement has improved the reporting transparency of case series across a number of surgical specialties. Here, we undertook a new Delphi consensus exercise to update the PROCESS guidelines. MethodsAll members of the previous Delphi group were invited to participate. In addition, researchers, editors, and reviewers who have previously published or reviewed case series with the International Journal of Surgery were invited to collaborate. An online questionnaire was sent to participants asking them to rate their agreement with amendments to each of the 29 items. Results140 experts were invited to participate, 56 people agreed to participate, and 45 (80%) recipients completed the survey. There was a high level of agreement amongst the expert group, and unanimous consensus was reached in the first round. All except three proposed items were accepted, and the original guidelines were modified accordingly. ConclusionA modified and improved PROCESS checklist is presented, after a Delphi consensus exercise was completed.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND COMPREHENSIVE SURGICAL OUTCOMES OF THE SUTURELESS INTRASCLERAL FIXATION OF SECONDARY INTRAOCULAR LENSES IN HUMAN EYES.

To describe surgical outcomes and structural characteristics of intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted with transconjunctival sutureless intrascleral (SIS) fixation in human eyes. Retrospective interventional surgical case series involving live and cadaveric human eyes. In this study, we investigated the surgical outcomes and structural anatomy of secondary IOLs implanted with the SIS technique in human eyes. All cases involving SIS IOL fixation performed at a single academic center from January 1, 2012, through July 30, 2016, were reviewed to describe the surgical technique, common indications, clinical outcomes, and the rate of common operative complications. To investigate the structure of SIS-fixated IOLs in vivo, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and intraoperative endoscopy were analyzed to describe anatomical outcomes. The primary anatomical outcomes were the optic pupillary centration and location of haptic externalization. Results were correlated with cadaveric human eyes that underwent the SIS-IOL technique. Cadaveric eyes were imaged and analyzed using high-resolution photography for centration, stress measurements at the haptic-optic junction, and qualitative descriptors of IOL optic and haptic position. A total of 122 consecutive patients who underwent IOL placement using SIS technique were included in the study with mean follow-up of 1.52 years (range, 0.4-4.5 years). The majority (75%) of patients received a new 3-piece IOL for primary aphakia or after IOL exchange. The other patients (25%) had a dislocated 3-piece IOL that was rescued using the SIS technique. Preoperative mean Snellen visual acuity was 20/633 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution = 1.501). At the final visit, the mean best-corrected visual acuity was 20/83 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution = 0.6243) and final mean spherical equivalent was -0.57 diopters. The most common complications were vitreous hemorrhage (22% of eyes), which resolved spontaneously in most cases, and cystoid macular edema. The rates of IOL dislocation, IOL decentration, haptic erosion, IOL tilting, iris capture, and endophthalmitis were low. Intraoperative endoscopy and ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated a securely fixated IOL and well-centered optic without iris or ciliary body touch. Structural study of cadaveric eyes confirmed IOL optic and haptic anatomy observed during live human surgery. The ab interno haptic insertion was the anterior pars plana, away from the iris, ciliary processes and ora serrata. The degree of haptic externalization was correlated with the degree of strain on the haptic-optic junction. The angle of the haptic-optic junction in SIS-fixated IOLs (33.97°) was not significantly different compared with overlaid native nonfixated IOL (32.93°) but increased slightly with degree of haptic tip externalization (36.26 and 39.16 for 2 and 3 mm haptic externalizations, respectively). In this comprehensive study, we demonstrate the surgical outcomes achieved with SIS fixation of IOLs. Surgical and postoperative complications do occur, albeit at a low rate, and can effectively be managed with excellent anatomical and visual outcomes. The structural and anatomical data in this study may help guide SIS placement and optimize long-term surgical results.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Removal of Pituitary Adenomas: A Surgical Case Series of Treatment Results Using Different 2- and 3-Dimensional Visualization Systems

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) is a common treatment for patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs). A disadvantage of endoscopic surgery has been the lack of stereoscopic vision and depth perception. Recent developments offer high-definition 3-dimensional (3D-HD) visualization with a higher resolution and better image quality compared with 3D standard endoscopy (3D-SD). In this study, we compared treatment results of surgically treated patients with PAs using 3 different visualization systems: 2-dimensional (2D)-HD, 3D-SD, and 3D-HD. Data from patients with primary PAs that were surgically treated between December 2008 and December 2017 were analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative tumor size and location, perioperative complications, and ophthalmologic, endocrine, and clinical outcomes were compared. A total of 170 patients underwent endoscopic resection of a primary PA (54 patients with 2D-HD, 75 with 3D-SD, and 41 with 3D-HD). Preoperatively, no statistical differences were found for tumor size, extension, and endocrine and ophthalmologic status. Tumor resection was not statistically different among the 3 groups. Complete resection was performed in 33 patients (80%) in the 3D-HD group, 54 patients (72%) in the 3D-SD group, and 39 patients (72%) in the 2D-HD group. The number of complications was not different across the groups (P= 0.436). Ophthalmologic outcomes did not differ based on EETS technique. The rate of new pituitary insufficiency was slightly lower in the 3D-HD group compared with 2D-HD and 3D-SD groups (4.8%, 16.6%, and 12%, respectively; P=0.290). Although the resection rate was higher in the 3D-HD group, and subjective advantages of the 3D-HD endoscopes were noted, there were no significant differences in terms of gross total resection or new hormonal deficits among the 3 groups.

Multivariable and Bayesian Network Analysis of Outcome Predictors in Acute Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Review of a Pure Surgical Series in the Post-International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial Era.

BACKGROUNDFollowing the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT), evolving treatment modalities for acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has changed the case mix of patients undergoing urgent surgical clipping.OBJECTIVETo update our knowledge on outcome predictors by analyzing admission parameters in a pure surgical series using variable importance ranking and machine learning.METHODSWe reviewed a single surgeon's case series of 226 patients suffering from aSAH treated with urgent surgical clipping. Predictions were made using logistic regression models, and predictive performance was assessed using areas under the receiver operating curve (AUC). We established variable importance ranking using partial Nagelkerke R2 scores. Probabilistic associations between variables were depicted using Bayesian networks, a method of machine learning.RESULTSImportance ranking showed that World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade and age were the most influential outcome prognosticators. Inclusion of only these 2 predictors was sufficient to maintain model performance compared to when all variables were considered (AUC = 0.8222, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7646-0.88 vs 0.8218, 95% CI: 0.7616-0.8821, respectively, DeLong's P = .992). Bayesian networks showed that age and WFNS grade were associated with several variables such as laboratory results and cardiorespiratory parameters.CONCLUSIONOur study is the first to report early outcomes and formal predictor importance ranking following aSAH in a post-ISAT surgical case series. Models showed good predictive power with fewer relevant predictors than in similar size series. Bayesian networks proved to be a powerful tool in visualizing the widespread association of the 2 key predictors with admission variables, explaining their importance and demonstrating the potential for hypothesis generation.

Inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma: A single-institution experience.

e23556Background: Vascular leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are rare tumors that often arise from the inferior vena cava (IVC). Despite several surgical case series in the literature, there remains little dat...

Endoscopic endonasal transoculomotor triangle approach for adenomas invading the parapeduncular space: surgical anatomy, technical nuances, and case series.

Pituitary adenomas may extend into the parapeduncular space by invading through the roof of the cavernous sinus. Currently, a transcranial approach is the preferred choice, with or without the combination of an endonasal approach. In this paper the authors present a novel surgical approach that takes advantage of the natural corridor provided by the tumor to further open the oculomotor triangle and resect tumor extension into the parapeduncular space. Six injected specimens were used to demonstrate in detail the surgical anatomy related to the approach. Four cases in which the proposed approach was used were retrospectively reviewed. From a technical perspective, the first step involves accessing the superior compartment of the cavernous sinus. The interclinoid ligament should be identified and the dura forming the oculomotor triangle exposed. The oculomotor dural opening may be then extended posteriorly toward the posterior petroclinoidal ligament and inferolaterally toward the anterior petroclinoidal ligament. The oculomotor nerve should then be identified; in this series it was displaced superomedially in all 4 cases. The posterior communicating artery should also be identified to avoid its injury. In all 4 cases, the tumor invading the parapeduncular space was completely removed. There were no vascular injuries and only 1 patient had a partial oculomotor nerve palsy that completely resolved in 2 weeks. The endoscopic endonasal transoculomotor approach is an original alternative for removal of tumor extension into the parapeduncular space in a single procedure. The surgical corridor is increased by opening the dura of the oculomotor triangle and by working below and lateral to the cisternal segment of the oculomotor nerve.

FOLLOWING THE TRAIL OF COMMON TO FIND THE UNCOMMON: A CASE OF CONGENITAL ABSENCE OF THE PERICARDIUM (CAP)

CAP is among the rarest congenital cardiac anomalies (0.007% to 0.015% in autopsy reports to 0.044% in a surgical case series) with a wide array of clinical manifestations. Its presentation ranges from the often-asymptomatic to the feared sudden cardiac death due to herniation and compression of

Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique for Extra Large Macular Holes

Aim: To investigate the outcome of the inverted Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) flap technique for extra large idiopathic macular holes (MHs).Methods: A retrospective non-comparative surgical case series of seven eyes of 7 patients with MHs (base diameter of at least 1000 ?m) was conducted. All the MHs were treated using pars plana vitrectomy and brilliant blue G (BBG)-assisted inverted ILM flap technique. Spectral Domain- Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) images were used to assess the anatomical outcomes of surgery including the macular microstructure, while Best Corrected Snellen Visual Acuity (BCSVA) was used to evaluate the functional outcomes.Results: The average MH size was 1241microns and average symptom duration was nineteen months. All eyes achieved successful anatomical closure and there was no occurrence of a flat open type closure. SD-OCT microstructural study revealed a reconstruction of the Ellispod Zone (EZ) and External Limiting Membrane (ELM), in only 3 eyes. There was an improvement in visual acuity in 5 eyes, while 2 eyes maintained the same as pre operative vision. The largest increase in post operative visual acuity gain was a 4-line improvement in Best Corrected Snellen Visual Acuity (BCSVA) noted in one of the 3 eyes with reconstructed EZ and ELM. The 3 months symptom duration in this patient was the shortest in this series.Conclusion: Inverted ILM flap technique is a safe and effective approach for the management of extra large chronic idiopathic MHs with demonstrably good anatomical and limited functional results in a majority of cases. Postoperative reconstruction of the microstructure is however seen only in a minority of eyes. Despite an absence of the outer retina (EZ and ELM), some eyes still experience an improvement in vision. The symptom duration may play a vital role in functional outcome in this subset of extra large chronic MHs.

Endoscopic Endonasal Reconstruction of High-Flow Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak with Fascia Lata “Button” Graft and Nasoseptal Flap: Surgical Technique and Case Series

Endoscopic Endonasal Reconstruction of High-Flow Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak with Fascia Lata “Button” Graft and Nasoseptal Flap: Surgical Technique and Case Series

Pediatric Intracavernous Sinus Lesions: A Single Institutional Surgical Case Series

Pediatric Intracavernous Sinus Lesions: A Single Institutional Surgical Case Series

Hybrid wide-angle viewing-endoscopic vitrectomy using a 3D visualization system.

PurposeTo introduce a hybrid wide-angle viewing-endoscopic vitrectomy, which we have reported, using a 3D visualization system developed recently.Subjects and methodsWe report a single center, retrospective, consecutive surgical case series of 113 eyes that underwent 25 G vitrectomy (rhegmatogenous retinal detachment or proliferative vitreoretinopathy, 49 eyes; epiretinal membrane, 18 eyes; proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 17 eyes; vitreous opacity or vitreous hemorrhage, 11 eyes; macular hole, 11 eyes; vitreomacular traction syndrome, 4 eyes; and luxation of intraocular lens, 3 eyes).ResultsThis system was successfully used to perform hybrid vitrectomy in the difficult cases, such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.ConclusionHybrid wide-angle viewing-endoscopic vitrectomy using a 3D visualization system appears to be a valuable and promising method for managing various types of vitreo-retinal disease.

Can tibial tantalum cones eventually eliminate the adjuvant use of metallic augments for AORI type 2B/3 metaphyseal defects??—A novel surgical technique and case series

BackgroundFor extensive metaphyseal defects, the use of tantalum cones is usually combined with adjuvant stems which may be cemented/cementless and metallic bone augments for additional stability. A Tibial baseplate-Cone construct with proud tibial cones and without metallic augments has been described for AORI type 2B/3 tibial defects. MethodsA case series analysis of 6 patients with AORI type 3 defects treated with unstepped proud Tantalum tibial metaphyseal cones without metallic wedges/full width augments. A follow-up analysis done with clinico-radiographic interpretation. Results100% osteointegration noted in final radiographs of all patients at an average follow-up of 4.1 years. Preoperative average ROM/KSS of 75/49 improved to postoperative ROM/KSS of 104/79. Outcomes were interpreted as excellent in 50% of cases and good in the remaining 50%. ConclusionThe “Tibial base plate-cone without augments (BCCA)”type of a construct may offer a valid long term advantage over the Tibial base plate-Augment-Cone combination in massive tibial bone defects. Simply building up the tantalum cone to the native joint line position by increasing cone height can exclude use of augments or wedges.

OA 02.07 Surgical Selection in Pleurectomy Decortication for Mesothelioma – an Overview from Screening and Selection from MARS 2 Pilot

Encouraging survival has been reported with pleurectomy decortication (PD) for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in several surgical case series. However, doubts remain over the degree of selection bias that constitutes the final composition of these series which therefore lead to questions surrounding the validity of the reported outcomes. We have reviewed our initial experience in the MARS 2 study to analyze this surgical selection process in more detail.

MINIMAL ENDOILLUMINATION LEVELS AND DISPLAY LUMINOUS EMITTANCE DURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL HEADS-UP VITREORETINAL SURGERY.

To determine minimal endoillumination levels required to perform 3-dimensional heads-up vitreoretinal surgery and to correlate endoillumination levels used for measurements of heads-up display (HUD) luminous emittance. Prospective, observational surgical case series of 10 patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery. Endoillumination levels were set to 40% of maximum output and were decreased at set intervals until the illumination level was 0%. Corresponding luminous emittance (lux) of the HUD was measured 40 cm from the display using a luxmeter (Dr. Meter, Model #LX1010BS). In 9 of 10 cases, the surgeon felt that they could operate comfortably at an endoillumination level of 10% of maximum output with corresponding HUD emittance of 14.3 ± 9.5 lux. In the remaining case, the surgeon felt comfortable at a 3% endoillumination level with corresponding HUD emittance of 15 lux. Below this threshold, subjective image dimness and digital noise limited visibility. Endoillumination levels were correlated with luminous emittance from the 3-dimensional HUD (P < 0.01). The average coefficient of variation of HUD luminance was 0.546. There were no intraoperative complications. With real-time digital processing and automated brightness control, 3-dimensional HUD platforms may allow for reduced intraoperative endoillumination levels and a theoretically reduced risk of retinal phototoxicity during vitreoretinal surgery.

Medial external fixation for staged treatment of closed calcaneus fractures: Surgical technique and case series.

The derangement in calcaneal morphology after a fracture can be significant and is often associated with severe soft tissue envelop problems. Medial calcaneal external fixation is useful for early restoration of calcaneal morphology and the corresponding soft tissue envelop. When performed in a stepwise fashion, external fixation can successfully restore normal calcaneal height, length, width, and coronal plane alignment. For severely displaced joint depression and broken tongue-type calcaneus fractures where open treatment is the preferred strategy, early external fixation restores the normal soft tissue tension, allows a stable environment for soft tissue recovery, and facilitates the definitive operation by restoring and maintaining overall calcaneal architecture. We describe the stepwise approach to calcaneal reduction and external fixation and report a case series demonstrating this method is safe and effective for staged management of severely displaced calcaneus fractures.