Operative Treatment Of Calcaneal Fractures Research Articles

The Nightmare of Calcaneus: Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIB Fractures.

The aim of this study was to share the clinical results of open calcaneus fractures, which are extremely rare and have become the fearful nightmare of orthopedic surgeons. Between June of 2014 and June of 2020, of 196 patients with the diagnosis of calcaneus fracture, Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB, 17 patients (11 men and six women; mean age, 36.2 ± 4.6 years; range, 22-56 years) under prospective follow-up were retrospectively screened and included in the study. Patients were recorded in terms of classification of fracture, mechanism of injury, comorbidities, surgical progress, complications, and associated orthopedic and nonorthopedic injuries. Functional clinical results and quality of life of the patients were evaluated at the 6-month follow-up with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire. The most common etiologic factor was work-related injuries, with 29.4%. Although triple arthrodesis surgery was performed in three cases because of pseudoarthrosis, amputation was performed in one case because of deep infection. The most common soft-tissue defect was located at the medial aspect of the foot, which was commonly reconstructed with the used of reverse flow island sural flap. The average total American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score was 51.6 (range, 48-74) and similarly, physical component, pain, and social parameters on the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey were statistically significant compared to Turkish population normal scores. A long and laborious process is required for both the patient and the surgeon in the treatment of open calcaneal fractures. However, it is possible to obtain good results with soft-tissue reconstructions.

Calcaneus Fracture and Posterior Arthroscopic Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis (C-PASTA).

The procedure begins with the patient in the prone position. The subtalar joint is visualized with a 1.9-mm flexible camera through a standard posterior arthroscopic approach. With the help of the C-arm, position in the subtalar joint space is confirmed. The joint space is debrided with use of a 4-0 shaver and then prepared for arthrodesis arthroscopically with use of an osteotome and a burr. Next, we inject allograft demineralized matrix-based bone putty under direct arthroscopic visualization to fill residual gaps or defects. The arthrodesis is performed under fluoroscopic guidance with use of 2 guidewires followed by 2 to 3 titanium compression screws. The first screw is inserted along the posteromedial calcaneus and into the talar dome medially. The second is placed laterally into the head-neck junction of the talus. The third screw is placed distal to proximal from the plantar anterior process to the talar head. Finally, images are obtained in multiple views to ensure proper screw placement, and the screws are tightened sequentially to ensure equal compression across the joint. Nonoperative treatment of calcaneal fractures includes cast immobilization with non-weight-bearing, although this treatment is typically reserved for nondisplaced, small extra-articular fractures6. Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures includes open reduction and internal fixation, which is traditionally performed via a sinus tarsi approach or extensile lateral approach. Primary subtalar arthrodesis has been utilized primarily for Sanders type-IV fractures6. Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures are associated with alarmingly high rates of posttraumatic arthritis (30% to 70% within 1 year of injury), and surgical outcomes are inversely proportional to the severity of the fracture pattern, with Sanders III and IV having the worst outcomes1. Treating these most severe fracture patterns with primary open subtalar arthrodesis has shown favorable results in terms of union rates, pain scores, and functional outcomes throughout the literature2,3. However, some authors have reported rates of revision as high as 60%4. Thus, the PASTA procedure has been established, resulting in significantly better time to union, return to work, activities of daily living, and sports activities compared with open techniques5. Thus, given the favorable results of primary open subtalar arthrodesis and the proven results with use of an arthroscopic technique in the non-acute setting, we propose that C-PASTA can serve as an alternative treatment option in the acute setting for patients with Sanders type-III and IV calcaneal fractures. We expect the outcomes of this procedure to mirror those found throughout the literature, which shows favorable results for open primary subtalar arthrodesis1-3. With use of an arthroscopic approach, we expect better time to union, return to work, activities of daily living, and sports activities than if the procedure were performed in an open fashion5. In addition, minimizing soft-tissue damage through an arthroscopic approach may decrease the risk of infection and stimulate postoperative healing, perhaps accounting for the more favorable postoperative recovery period compared with an open procedure. In the arthroscopic approach to the subtalar joint, identify the flexor hallucis longus, making sure to stay lateral to that tendon to remain in the "safe zone."Utilizing the TRIMANO device (Arthrex) to distract the ankle longitudinally in addition to a solid bump placed on the anterior aspect of the ankle allows for optimal subtalar joint visualization.Fish-scaling with an osteotome followed by bone grafting allows for a good fill between cancellous fragments to stimulate an optimal environment for fusion.Divergent screws should be placed and tightened sequentially to ensure equal compression across the joint. ADL's = activities of daily livingCT = computed tomographySCD = sequential compression deviceAP = anteroposteriorDVT = deep vein thrombosisBID = twice dailyVit = vitamin.

The Association of Bohler's Angle With Postoperative Pain and Gender for Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fracture, Multicenter Retrospective Study—TRON Study

A relationship between Böhler angle (BA) before or after surgery and clinical outcomes remains unclear. This retrospective multicenter cohort study aimed to compare pain and functional outcomes between a group in which the reduction angle was preserved and a group in which the reduction angle was lost during follow-up, and to clarify the risk factors leading to loss of last follow-up BA. From 2014 to 2018, 271 cases of calcaneal fractures were surgically treated at ten facilities. We divided patients into Group L (lost reduction of fracture) and Group P (preserved reduction of fracture). We matched subjects between the 2 groups according to age, sex and BA before surgery and compared American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score between the groups. We investigated the correlation between the amount of BA loss and postoperative pain. The factors leading to loss of last follow-up BA were examined by logistic regression analysis. Ultimately, 112 patients were eligible. After matching, each group included 38 patients. There was no difference between the 2 groups in total AOFAS score. However, the pain component of AOFAS score at 6 months and 12 months were worse in group L than in group P (p = .011, p = .031, respectively). We also showed a weak correlation between the amount of BA loss and postoperative pain. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female and BA before surgery independently predicted loss of reduction (odds ratios: 4.66, 95% CI: 1.15-18.9 and odds ratios: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-0.99, respectively). We clarified that reduction and preservation of BA within its normal range should lead to decrease postoperative pain. Female and lower pre-BA were risk factors leading to loss of reduction of BA in operative treatment of calcaneal fractures.

Results After Percutaneous and Arthroscopically Assisted Osteosynthesis of Calcaneal Fractures.

Background:Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures using the extensile lateral approach is associated with high rates of soft tissue complications. In the past years, there has been a trend toward less invasive surgical approaches. Percutaneous and arthroscopically assisted calcaneal osteosynthesis (PACO) combines the advantages of visualization of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint with a minimally invasive approach.Methods:We conducted a follow-up of 25 patients with 26 calcaneal fractures (Sanders II and III), treated with PACO with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The median age was 44 years (range, 21-72) and the follow-up period 15 months (12-33). Our clinical outcomes were the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ), the Calcaneus Fracture Scoring System (CFSS), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, the Short-Form-36 (SF-36), the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the number of complications. Radiographs on follow-up were obtained to evaluate the reduction of the fractures as well as osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint.Results:The median MOxFQ score was 26.6 (0-76.6), the CFSS score 85 (26-100), and the AOFAS score 85 (50-100). The VAS pain score was 0 (0-5.7) at rest and 4.1 (0-8.2) during activity. The Böhler angle improved from a mean (SD) of 3.5 (12.3) degrees preoperatively to 27.7 (10.5) degrees postoperatively. The follow-up radiographs showed subsidence of the fractures and a Böhler angle of 20.3 (12.9) degrees. There were no wound-healing complications. Two patients had additional surgery with screw removal due to prominent hardware.Conclusion:Our results suggest that PACO gives good clinical outcomes and a low risk of complications in selected calcaneal fractures. Prospective long-term studies will be necessary to better document the potential advantages and limitations of this operating technique.Level of Evidence:Level IV, retrospective case series.

Percutaneous K-Wires Fixation of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures (A Novel Technique)

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: The operative treatment of calcaneal fractures has been a controversial topic. Open reduction and internal fixation is associated with a high incidence of postoperative soft tissue complications. Closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires fixation was used to preserve soft tissue. The aim of our study is to evaluate the outcome of closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Methods: Twenty two displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires fixation. The clinical evaluation was based on Maryland Foot Score. According to Sander’s Classification, Eleven fractures were type II, nine were type III and two were type IV. Bimanual compression across the calcaneus was applied to reduce the calcaneal width. A Schanz screw was inserted into the calcaneal tuberosity and was forcibly pushed downwards to elevate the depressed fragment. Two parallel 2 mm K-wires were placed from the posterior inferior corner of the calcaneus across the posterior facet and into the talar body. The reduction of the articular surface was maintained by two crossing subchondral 2 mm K-wires. If the reduction was not satisfactory, a 1-2 cm long transverse incision was used just below the tip of the lateral malleolus. A small tipped periosteal elevator was introduced to elevate the depressed fragment before K-wire fixation. Results: The mean follow up period was 7.68 months. The clinical outcome revealed 18 fractures (81.8%) of satisfactory (14 excellent and 4 good), and 4 patients (18.2%) of unsatisfactory results (4 fair and 0 poor). The mean time of radiological union was 11.86 (range 10 – 14) weeks. One patient had pin tract infection. One patient developed heel widening. Conclusion: Closed reduction and percutaneous K-wires fixation of calcaneal fractures minimizes the soft tissue complications and postoperative scar formation. The mini approach for elevation of the depressed posterior facet restores the articular surface and decreases late subtalar arthritis.

Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures: improved outcomes and low complications rates with a strict management protocol.

This is a retrospective review of 80 intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation by a specialist team under supervision of a single surgeon in a tertiary centre between 2005 and 2014. The fractures were evaluated with plain radiography and computed tomography, and graded using the Eastwood-Atkins classification. A lateral approach was used and all fractures were fixed with calcaneal plates. All patients had clinical and radiological follow-up. Clinical assessment included foot and ankle disability index, SF-36® and Kerr-Atkins scores. The mean follow-up duration was 72 months (range: 12-130 months). The mean age of patients was 49 years (range: 17-73 years). There were three open fractures and eight patients had other injuries. The mean Bohler's angle improved from 6° preoperatively to 26° postoperatively. The mean foot and ankle disability index score was 78.62, the mean SF-36® scores were 45.5 (physical component) and 52.6 (mental component), and the mean Kerr-Atkins score was 72 (range: 36-100). Early complications included one case of screw protrusion in the subtalar joint (which warranted a repeat procedure), one sural nerve injury and one wound breakdown, which healed with non-operative measures. Twelve patients had symptomatic subtalar joint osteoarthritis. Four of these had subtalar fusion. We believe that our strict protocols of patient selection, intraoperative and postoperative management produced long-term results comparable with those in the peer reviewed literature.

Calcaneal varus angle change in normal calcaneus: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

The objective of the study was to investigate the stress changes in the posterior articular surface of the calcaneus following alternation of the calcaneal varus angle in normal calcaneus and discuss the clinical significance of the calcaneal varus angle. Axial view radiographs of 165 volunteers were obtained to measure the calcaneal varus angle of normal calcaneus. A calcaneal model with different varus angle changes (including +2°, +4°, +6°, -2°, -4°, and -6°) was established using Creo 2.0 software. Stress changes at different calcaneal varus angles in the posterior articular surface of the calcaneus under a load of 100N were measured. Stressed areas in posterior articular facets were slightly fewer following +2°, +4°, and +6° changes in varus angle than in normal varus angles with stress concentering regions moving to the anteromedial aspect of the posterior calcaneal facet. However, stress concentering areas in posterior calcaneal facets following -4° and -6° changes in varus angle obviously moved to the anterior and posterior medial side of posterior calcaneal facets. Stress distribution in the posterior articular surface of the calcaneus varies with the calcaneal varus angle. The decrease in calcaneal varus angle following operative treatment of calcaneal fractures should be controlled within 2°.

Plantar Pressure Asymmetry in Patients Six Months after Surgical Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures in Adults

Aim: To compare plantar pressure distribution and contact time in patients in month 6 following operative treatment of calcaneal fractures. Study Design: Walking on the tensometric platform. Place and Duration of Study: Regional Hospital, Trauma Centrum, between September 2014 and October 2015. Methodology: Gait analysis was carried out on seven patients (38±9 years; 1.79±0.05 m; 83±8 kg). Measurements were made using a pedobarography platform. The factors observed comprised: total contact time (CT), peak pressure (PP), maximum vertical force (Fz), heel contact time (CT-heel), peak pressure under the heel (PP-heel), and the force-time integral (FTI). The Short Research Article Jandova et al.; BJMMR, 15(4): 1-8, 2016; Article no.BJMMR.25189 2 analysis was based on the data from both the healthy and the affected lower limb; values for symmetry index (SI) were computed. Results: Out of 7 patients, all patients with a longer contact time on the healthy feet were documented. The healthy limbs demonstrated peak pressure values that were predominantly higher beneath the heel, and under the first metatarsus head and under the big toe. On the affected limbs centre of pressure line shifted laterally. Foot contact was applied more often on the outer side of the foot. Not a clear trend was found in the contact time beneath the heel with the ground when 4 patients shortened the duration of the heel contact on the affected limb. Conclusion: The observed patients still show significant lateral changes in dynamic parameters, which is also reflected in the duration of the individual phases of the gait cycle. The calculation of the index of symmetry for the tracked variables showed significant differences between healthy and affected limbs, although all the patients had returned to their working environments at the time of the measurement. This pilot study is a starting point for future work and co-operation between the University and the Trauma Centrum.

The effect of postoperative wound infections on functional outcome following intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

IntroductionHigh rates of postoperative wound infections (POWI) are reported following the operative treatment of calcaneal fractures. This leads to additional therapy, prolonged hospital stay, burden for patients and increased costs. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of POWI following the extended lateral approach of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures on functional outcome. Secondary aims are assessment of health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction.Patients and methodsAll consecutive adult patients with a calcaneal fracture treated between 2000 and 2011 with open reduction and internal fixation through an extended lateral approach were retrospectively included and sent a questionnaire. Functional outcome was measured using the Foot Function Index (FFI, best score 0 points) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS, best score 100 points) hindfoot score. The EuroQOL-5D was used for quality of life (QOL) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, best score 10 points) for overall patients satisfaction.ResultsOf 135 eligible patients, 94 returned the questionnaire (response rate 70 %). The median FFI was 12 points (IQR 3–33) and AOFAS 79 points (IQR 61–90). The FFI and AOFAS were, respectively, 17 and 9 points higher in favour of patients without POWI (n = 69) compared to patients with POWI (n = 25). Albeit large differences, they were not statistically significant given the current number of patients. Patients without POWI scored better on all health-related aspects of QOL in the EQ-5D, but this did not reach statistical significance. However, the VAS on overall patient satisfaction did show a statistically significant difference of 1.3 points (9.0 vs 7.7; p = 0.01) in favour of patients without POWI. Importantly, a clinically relevant difference was found with the FFI as the estimated minimal clinical important difference of the FFI is 10 points.ConclusionOur results implicate that postoperative wound infection leads lower functional outcome scores following calcaneal fracture surgery, but no statistical significance was reached. In addition, patients do not report significant worse QOL or physical impairment. Overall patient satisfaction measured by a VAS was significantly lower in case of a POWI, reflecting the burden caused by a wound complication.

Long-term Results of Operative Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures.

This paper presents the long-term results of surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures, including subjective evaluation, orthopaedic examination and radiographic evaluation. A total of 126 patients with 135 calcaneal fractures were treated surgically at the Department of Traumatology of the Military Medical Institute in Warsaw between 2008 and 2012. The analysis involves 73 patients (53 persons were lost to follow-up), including 45 men (61.6%). The mean age of the patients was 46.2 years (18-77 years). Based on imaging studies, patients required specific surgical techniques: the minimally invasive Westhues method involving fixation with a bundle of K-wires or open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws. The outcomes of the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures were assessed on the basis of a subjective evaluation and orthopaedic and radiographic examinations. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. Based on the Creighton-Nebraska scores, in the group of patients treated with a bundle of K-wires (minimally invasive Westhues method), there were 12 excellent results (42.8%), 5 good (17.9%), 6 satisfactory (21.4%) and 5 poor (17.9%). In the group of patients treated with a plate and screws, excellent and good results (58.1%) prevailed in Sanders type II fractures. Most of the poor results were recorded in patients with type IV fractures. In general, radiographic results were better than functional and subjective evaluation. A statistically significant relationship between the subjective outcome of treatment and patient age was found (p <0.001). The least satisfying results were found for patients younger than 39 years of age. 1. The key to success in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures is appropriate restoration of Bôhler's angle 2. A good or excellent radiographic outcome did not always coincide with good functional results and good subjective evaluation 3. The poorer subjective scores in younger patients resulted from their inability to return to pre-injury activity levels.

Limited Sinus Tarsi Approach for Intra-articular Calcaneus Fractures

Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures has a historically high rate of wound complications, so the most optimal operative approach has been a topic of investigation. This study reviews the radiographic and clinical outcomes of the use of the sinus tarsi approach for operative fixation of these fractures with attention to the rate of infection and restoration of angular measurements. The radiographs and charts of 20 patients with 22 calcaneal fractures were reviewed to assess for restoration of angular and linear dimensions of the calcaneus as well as time to radiographic union. Secondary outcome measures included the rate of postoperative infection, osteomyelitis, revision surgeries, and nonunion. We found a statistically significant restoration of Böhler's angle and calcaneal width. Three of the 22 cases had a superficial wound infection. One patient had revision surgery for symptomatic hardware removal. There were no events of osteomyelitis, deep infection, malunion, or nonunion. We found that the sinus tarsi approach yielded similar outcomes to those reported in the literature. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Foot & Ankle

The October 2013 Foot &amp; Ankle Roundup360 looks at: Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures advantageous in the long term?; Varus ankles and arthroplasty; Reducing autograft complications in foot and ankle surgery; The biomechanics of ECP in plantar fasciitis; Minimally invasive first ray surgery; Alcohol: better drunk than injected?; Is it different in the foot?; It’s all about the temperature

Staged treatment of open calcaneal fractures with medial wounds

Objective To evaluate clinical outcomes of staged treatment of open calcaneal fractures with medial wounds.Methods Between February 2007 and July 2010,23 patients with open calcaneal fractures with medial wound (Gustilo type Ⅱ and Ⅲ A) were treated and fully followed up in our department.They were 16 men and 7 women,aged from 39 to 56 years (average,43.3 years).The left foot was affected in 9 cases and the right in 14.By the Sanders classification,there were 11 cases of type Ⅱ and 12 ones of type Ⅲ.By the Gustilo's classification,the open wounds were type Ⅱ in 11 cases and type ⅢA in 12 ones.The patients were treated in a staged fashion.Emergent debridement,irrigation and antibiotic prophylaxis were carried out as soon as possible.During the debridement,the height,length and axial alignment of the calcaneus were restored through the medial wound before temporary fixation with percutaneous Kirschner wires.Unstable wounds of Gustilo type ⅢA were covered with vacuum sealed drainage and managed with antibiotic prophylaxis and repeated debridement until the wounds grew stable.At the second stage,definitive open reduction and internal fixation were performed through the extensile lateral approach when soft tissues were amenable for surgery.The patients were followed up regularly with clinical and radiological examinations.The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score for hindfoot was recorded at the final follow-up for every patient.Results On average,the primary debridement was conducted at 6.8 hours (from 3 to 36 hours) after the injury.The necessary debridements averaged 2.6 times (from 1 to 4 times).The definitiveopen reduction and internal fixation were performed at an average of 10.9 days (from 7 to 21 days) after the injury.The mean follow-up was 23.6 months (from 19 to 32 months).All the wounds healed without infection or necrosis except for 2 wounds that were healed later after change of dressing for superficial infection.The final AOFAS score for hindfoot averaged 82.1 points (from 77 to 89 points),indicating the range of motion of the affected subtalar joint was somewhat limited compared with the healthy side in all the patients.Conclusions For open calcaneal fracture with medial wound,fairly good clinical outcomes can result from staged treatment if there is no obvious soft tissue defect.The emergency management should include not only thorough debridement but also reduction and provisional fixation of the fracture to restore the height,length and axial alignment of the calcaneus. Key words: Calcaneus; Fractures, open; Fracture fixation, internal; Staged treatment

Use What Is Given to You: An Alternative Approach to the Treatment of Open Calcaneal Fractures

Use What Is Given to You: An Alternative Approach to the Treatment of Open Calcaneal Fractures

A comparison of absorbable screws and metallic plates in treating calcaneal fractures

Intra-articular calcaneal fractures are more likely to suffer consequences in terms of pain and disability. Many studies have suggested that operative treatment for these fractures may result in better outcomes than nonoperative treatment. The metallic screws and plates are among the most common alternatives to stabilize calcaneal fractures. However, the complications of plating of calcaneal fractures are not uncommon. Complications such as infection, poor wound healing, and soft tissue irritation exist. With the advent of bioabsorbable screws, many reports have demonstrated favorable results in treating intra-articular fractures with these screws. The comparative outcomes of operative treatment of calcaneal fractures stabilized with plates and absorbable screws are rarely reported. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and complications related to fracture stabilization with plates and absorbable screws. Ninety-seven patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures were managed at our institution between February 2007 and March 2009. In this prospective, randomized study, the plates were used in 52 cases (group A), and the absorbable screws were used in 47 cases (group B). There were 71 men and 26 women who had a mean age of 41 years (range, 19–67 years). The clinical outcome and complications were assessed and compared. The adjusted American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (subjective component only), Foot Function Index, and the calcaneal fracture scoring system were used to assess the results. The patients were followed up at an average of 23 months (range, 15–32 months). Radiographically, there were no nonunions in either group. One year after operation, in group A and B, the mean adjusted American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score were 71.6 ± 12.5 and 72.3 ± 17.4, respectively (p > 0.05); the mean Foot Function Index score were 21.4 ± 6.6 and 22.7 ±5.2, respectively (p > 0.05); and the mean calcaneal fracture scoring system score were 73.5 ± 8.3 and 75.1 ± 6.9, respectively (p >0.05). In group A, there were six cases of poor wound healing, one case of deep infection, and four cases of peroneal tendon irritation.In group B, there was one case of superficial infection, and no deep infection and soft tissue irritation. In this report, the outcomes of operative treatment with absorbable screws are comparable with the outcomes of operative treatment with plates. Both plates and absorbable screws showed favorable results in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures. However,the metallic plates were associated with increased complications. The stabilizations of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with bioabsorbable screws are reasonable with advantages of fewer complications and without the need for screw removal.

Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures

Objective To investigate the injury mechanism, clinical classification, treatment methods and clinical results of calcaneal fractures. Methods From June 2005 to May 2009, 83 feet in 70 patients with calcaneal fractures were treated. According to Sanders and Essex-Lopresti classifications, 63 feet had intra-articular fractures (30 feet of type Ⅱ, 21 type Ⅲ, and 12 type Ⅳ ) and 20 feet had extra-articular fractures (3 feet of lateral condylar fracture, 5 anterior process fracture, 9 calcaneal body fracture and 3 nodules fracture) . Reduction with a conventional lateral L-incision, mini-incision, or leverage was conducted depending on the clinical classification of the fracture involved. Fixation with a conventional plate or locking plate, simple screws and Kirschner wire was applied in all patients. Bone grafting was performed in the 20 cases whose defects were larger than 2 cm3. Functions and complications of the feet were observed at the follow-up. Results The 70 patients were followed up from 12 to 30 months (average, 18 months). The total average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) score was (90.3 ± 11.0) points (48 to 100 points). The average AOFAS score for the 20 feet of extra-articular calcaneal fracture was (98.1±2.6)points (90 to 100 points), with no complications; the average AOFAS score for the other 63 feet of intra-articular calcaneal fracture was (87.8 ± 11.4) points (48 to 100 points) with such complications as necrosis at the skin edge of incision in 2 feet, sural nerve injury in 4 and traumatic subtalar arthritis in 10.Conclusions Treatment of extra-articular calcaneal fractures may have better clinical results than treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The preoperative evaluation of the fracture type and severity of soft tissue injury is especially essential to the treatment. Key words: Calcaneus; Fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Postoperative complications

Long-Term Functional Outcomes After Operative Treatment for Intra-Articular Fractures of the Calcaneus

Calcaneal fractures can have long-term consequences in terms of pain and disability. Comparative studies have suggested that operative treatment of these fractures may result in better outcomes than nonoperative treatment; however, to our knowledge, the long-term outcomes of operative treatment of calcaneal fractures have not been reported for a large cohort of patients. One hundred and fifty-seven patients with calcaneal fractures were managed at our institution between January 1, 1989, and April 30, 2003. Seventy-three patients who were managed operatively for eighty-one intra-articular calcaneal fractures responded to a functional questionnaire that included the adjusted American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (subjective component only), the Foot Function Index, and the calcaneal fracture scoring system at a median of 12.8 years (range, 5.0 to 18.5 years) after the injury. In our study population, the mean adjusted American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 65.4 (95% confidence interval, 60.6 to 70.2), the mean Foot Function Index score was 20.5 (95% confidence interval, 16.6 to 24.4), and the mean calcaneal fracture scoring system score was 69.3 (95% confidence interval, 63.6 to 74.9). Patients who had sustained the calcaneal fracture as a result of a motor-vehicle accident rather than a fall reported significantly worse outcomes on two of three scales (p = 0.04 for the adjusted American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale, p = 0.05 for the Foot Function Index, and p = 0.35 for the calcaneal fracture scoring system), but this analysis was limited by the exclusion of twenty-four patients because of crush injuries (two) or unavailable documentation of the mechanism of injury (twenty-two). The long-term outcomes of operative treatment described in the present report are comparable with the long-term outcomes previously reported among smaller patient cohorts. Additional investigation is required to determine why patients with fractures that resulted from a motor-vehicle accident reported worse outcomes than patients with fractures that resulted from a fall.

Intraoperative 3D Imaging in Calcaneal Fracture Care—Clinical Implications and Decision Making

In operative calcaneal fracture care malposition of screws and joint line incongruity frequently remain unrecognized using fluoroscopy intraoperatively, and are frequently only recognized on postoperative computed tomography scans. The purpose of this study was to analyze the feasibility and utility of a new C-arm-based three-dimensional imaging technology for calcaneal trauma care. The C-arm-based three- dimensional imaging device (ISO-C-3D) was used in 32 patients during a 2-year period. Patients were indicated for open reduction and internal fixation using standard techniques and fluoroscopy. After reduction and implant placement was determined to be correct, the ISO-C-3D procedure was performed. The time for setup and use, and the consequences were recorded. An assessment was obtained from the surgeon regarding the feasibility and the adequacy and quality of the data provided, using a Visual Analog Scale. The average total time required for ISO-C-3D use was 610 seconds. The information obtained from the scan led the surgeon to alter the reduction or screw placement during the procedure in 41% of the patients. Surgeons rating according to a Visual Analog Scale: feasibility 9.5, accuracy and quality 9.2, clinical benefit 8.2. Intraoperative three- dimensional visualization with the ISO-C-3D provides important information in the operative treatment of calcaneal fractures which cannot always be obtained from plain films or standard fluoroscopy alone. The use of the device adds minimal time to the overall procedure, and was found to be extremely useful in evaluating reduction and implant position intraoperatively in calcaneal fractures.

The Relationship Between the Outcome of Operatively Treated Calcaneal Fractures and Institutional Fracture Load

It has been assumed that outcome after open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures may be affected by the presence of institutional trauma care and the institution's fracture volume. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate whether a relationship exists between institutional fracture load and the rates of serious infection and subtalar arthrodesis following the treatment of these fractures. With use of a systematic method, all studies published between 2000 and 2006 describing adult patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced intra-articular fracture of the calcaneus were included. Patients with open fractures and patients undergoing percutaneous procedures were excluded. Institutional fracture load was calculated by dividing the number of calcaneal fractures that were treated operatively by the number of months that were included in the reported studies. A serious deep infection was defined as an infection requiring surgical débridement and hardware removal, reconstruction with a flap, and/or the presence of osteomyelitis. Traumatic subtalar arthritis was considered to be severe when subtalar arthrodesis was required. Numerous confounding factors were also analyzed, and a systematic methodological quality assessment was performed. Of a total of 236 studies, twenty-one were included in the analysis. The total number of fractures included was 1656. The median institutional fracture load was 0.8 fracture per month (95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 4.6 fractures per month). The median infection rate in the studies combined was 5.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.0% to 19.9%). The infection rate increased exponentially with a decreasing fracture load (r(2) = -0.5; p = 0.03). The median rate of subtalar arthrodesis was 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.0% to 15.4%). A significant inverse correlation was present between the fracture volume and the subtalar arthrodesis rate (r(2) = -0.7; p = 0.008). These factors were unrelated to the methodological quality. Multivariate analysis identified fracture volume as an independent determinant of the infection rate. A significant relationship between the deep infection rate, traumatic subtalar arthritis, and the fracture load may indicate a need for specialized institutional trauma care to improve outcomes associated with the operative treatment of calcaneal fractures.

A new perspective on management of open calcaneus fractures

The treatment protocol of closed calcaneal fractures has been described in the literature extensively. However, treatment of open calcaneal fractures has not been discussed in detail. Various treatment alternatives have been suggested including external fixator, primary subtalar distraction arthrodesis, and partial calcanectomy according to the type of fracture. We have retrospectively reviewed 36 adult patients with 39 open calcaneal fractures who were treated with our new philosophy. Average follow-up time was 9.29 years (range, 1.25-28 years). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system was used in functional evaluation. The average score was 77.9 (range, 67-92). All of the patients had limited subtalar movement. We propose an algorithm for the management of open calcaneus fractures, although treatment largely depends on the physical status of the patient, type of the fracture, localisation of the open wound and the surgeon's choice.