Long-term results of surgically treated calcaneal fractures: an analysis with a minimum follow-up period of twenty years

[Surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneus fractures with plate osteosynthesis via the sinus tarsi approach]

OBJECTIVE

Surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneus fractures via a minimally invasive approach.

INDICATIONS

Intra-articular dislocated calcaneus fractures.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Fracture older than 14 days; poor soft tissue quality in the surgical area.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Patient in lateral position. Identifying the anatomic landmarks. Incision (3-5 cm) from the tip of the fibula to metatarsal IV. Preparation through the subcutis. Retraction of the peroneal tendons. Preparation of the lateral calcaneal wall and later plate position via raspatory. Placement of a Schanz screw in the calcaneal tuberosity from lateral or posterior as a reduction aid for restoring of the calcaneal length and reduction of the hindfoot varus. Reduction of the sustentaculum fragment with the help of fluoroscopy from lateral. Elevation of the subtalar articular surface. Positioning of the calcaneal plate and fixation of the sustentaculum fragment by placing a cannulated screw through the long hole. Afterwards, definite internal fixation of the reduction with locking screws. Completion of the operation with final X‑rays and, if available, an intraoperative computed tomography. Wound closure with closing of the peroneal sheath.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Lower leg-foot orthoses. Mobilization with partial weight-bearing of the injured foot with 15 kg for 6-8 weeks; subsequently increased load bearing.

RESULTS

Due to the smaller incision and the associated lower soft tissue trauma, the risk of wound healing complications can be reduced. Radiographic and functional outcomes are comparable to the outcomes of calcaneal fractures treated via the extended lateral approach.

Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A single-center experience study with 20 years follow-up

INTRODUCTION

This study was conducted to identify the patient characteristics, classification, treatment, complications, and functional outcomes of operatively treated displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) in a level-I trauma center over a 20-year period.

METHODS

Patients with a DIACF classified as Sanders ≥2 and operatively treated with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation (PSF) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) between 1998 and 2017 were identified. Pre- and postoperative radiological assessments were performed. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the Maryland Foot Score (MFS). General health and patient satisfaction were assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and the visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

In total, 120 patients with a DIACF that were operatively treated with PSF or ORIF. Of these patients, 72 with a total of 80 DIACFs completed the questionnaires (60%). The average follow-up was 130 months. Mean scores for PSF and ORIF were 74 and 75 for AOFAS, 78 and 78 for MFS, 68 and 61 for SF-36, and 7.7 and 7.5 for VAS, respectively. An infection was the most common complication associated with ORIF (31%), and hardware removal (58%) was the most common complication in patients treated with PSF. Overall, 36 patients (68%) were able to return to work after a median time 6 months (IQR, 3-7) and 6 months (IQR, 3,25-6,75) for PSF and ORIF treated, respectively CONCLUSION: This long-term follow-up study reviews ORIF using ELA and PSF in the treatment of DIACFs. This study shows that both treatments are capable of restoring the Böhler angle and yield relatively good long-term functional outcomes. Differences in complication rates were apparent, infectious problems are inherent to ORIF using ELA, and hardware removal is associated with PSF.

Intra-articular Calcaneal Fracture Treatment With Staged Medial External Fixation

BACKGROUND

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between the conventional delayed and staged approaches for intra-articular calcaneus fractures in which early definite fixation could not be performed because of severe soft tissue injury.

METHODS

From January 2015 to May 2019, a total of 32 cases with acute intra-articular calcaneal fractures met criteria and were enrolled in the study. We compared the outcomes of intra-articular calcaneal fractures that underwent delayed internal fixation between groups treated with a conventional delayed approach (non-EF group) vs a temporary medial external fixation (EF group). Clinical outcome measures included a 10-point visual analog scale score, the AOFAS score, and the Foot Function Index. Radiographic outcome measures included Böhler angle, talar declination angle, and calcaneal width. Reduction of the posterior facet was assessed on CT scans.

RESULTS

The first 15 (46.9%) were treated with a conventional delayed approach, and the latter 17 (53.1%) were treated with a staged approach with temporary medial external fixation. Clinical outcomes were not different between the groups at the last follow-up. The time from injury to definite internal fixation was shorter by an average of 3.8 days in the EF group (P = .001). The Böhler angle, talar declination angle, and calcaneal width were not different between the groups before surgery and at the last follow-up. Reduction of the posterior facet on CT scans was significantly better in the EF group than in the non-EF group (good/excellent = 94% vs 60%, respectively, P = .033).

CONCLUSION

The staged approach using medial external fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures could be an effective method to decrease the time to definitive internal fixation and obtain optimal reduction of the posterior facet.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Staged Ilizarov distraction histogenesis and corrective reconstruction for severe malunited calcaneal fractures

PURPOSE

Severe calcaneal malunion is a clinical conundrum for the difficulty of calcaneal reconstruction without soft tissue complications. The aim of this study is to introduce the treatment strategy and preliminary results of staged Illizarov distraction histogenesis and corrective reconstruction for severe malunion of calcaneal fractures.

METHODS

From June 2014 to May 2020, 14 patients with severe calcaneal malunion treated with the staged strategy were retrospectively analyzed. At the first stage, calcaneal osteotomy and external fixation with Ilizarov frame were performed. The restoration of the approximate configuration of calcaneus and the expansion of contractural soft tissue were achieved by gradual calcaneal distraction. At the second stage, corrective reconstruction was performed and autogenous iliac crest bone graft was used. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at final follow-up.

RESULTS

The average time of Ilizarov distraction and total fixation was 21.4 days and 41.0 days at first-stage treatment. At a mean follow-up of 33.1 months, the average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score increased significantly from 24.0 to 72.4 (p < 0.01). And the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score had improved remarkably from 8.2 to 2.4 (p < 0.01). Radiographs showed that talocalcaneal height, calcaneal width, calcaneal tuberosity height, hindfoot alignment angle, and talar declination angle were improved to a great extent (p < 0.01). Only one patient had minor pin site infection at first-stage treatment and one got superficial wound infection after second-stage surgery. No wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, or deep infection occurred.

CONCLUSION

Staged Ilizarov distraction histogenesis and corrective reconstruction is a safe and effective treatment strategy for reducing soft tissue complications and improving reconstruction results in surgical correction of severe calcaneal malunion.

Surgical experience as a decisive factor for the outcome of calcaneal fractures using locking compression plate: results of 3 years

INTRODUCTION

Calcaneal fractures account for 60-75% of all tarsal fractures and represent surgical challenges because of their frequency and complexity. Despite standardized procedures and new implants, literature reports high revision rates and unsatisfactory results. The study aims to describe the role of the surgeon with respect to the clinical outcome.

METHODS

Between 2014 and 2017, 94 calcaneal fractures (all type AO C1-3) were re-examined in 86 patients (67 male and 19 female; mean age: 51 years). The treatment was always carried out by means of locking compression plate via the extensile lateral approach. A comparison was made between treatment by an experienced (ES) and less experienced surgeon (LES). Annually, the ES performed at least 30 procedures for calcaneus fracture treatment as compared to < 10 operations performed by the LES.

RESULTS

The mean AOFAS, VAS FA, and Kiel Score in the ES group were 77.0 (SD 15.9), 69.0 (SD 18.8), and 65.0 (SD 20.6), respectively. The corresponding values in the LES group were 68.1 (SD 21.0), 60.3 (SD 22.4), and 53.0 (SD 21.9) (p < 0.05). The operation time was on average 14 min shorter in the ES group than the LES group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The significantly better scores, along with shorter operation time, shorter duration of incapacity to work, and lower complication rate prove the importance of having an experienced surgeon perform complex intra-articular calcaneal fracture repairs. The extensile lateral approach is still considered the standard method.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, comparative series.

Patient-Reported Outcome Following Operative and Conservative Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of 79 Patients at Short- to Midterm Follow-Up

Background: Fractures of the calcaneus are severe injuries of the hindfoot, mostly resulting from high-energy axial loads, which still present enormous challenges to modern trauma surgery. Possible variables influencing the outcome are the type of fracture, age, and quality of fracture reduction. These might also be factors affecting the self-reported patient outcome, but large studies are still lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the patient-reported outcome of calcaneal fractures following operative and conservative treatment.

Methods: All patients suffering from calcaneal fractures between 2002 and 2015 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. The calcaneal fractures were classified according to Sanders and the AO classification system. For further analysis, two groups were formed: group I involved complex intra-articular fractures defined by the involvement of the posterior calcaneal facet, while group II consisted of extra-articular and process calcaneal fractures. Data were collected via the patient registry, radiographs, and a standardized questionnaire (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, FAOS). For outcome analysis, non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test was performed, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated.

Results: In total, the functional outcome of 79 patients with calcaneal fractures was analyzed. In group 1 (n = 43), the mean FAOS score was 65.5 ± 18.9. The surgically treated patients with a Sanders type II calcaneal fracture had a mean FAOS score of 72.9 ± 17.2, type III fractures had 65.6 ± 20.8, and type IV had 61.1 ± 19 (p = 0.15). The reoperation rate was 22%, most frequently caused by wound complications (10%). The mean follow-up time was 64.5 ± 44 months. The mean FAOS score of group 2 (n = 36) was 75.2 ± 18.4, and 83% of the patients (=30) were managed conservatively. Only one out of six operatively managed patients had a reoperation due to regular implant removal. The mean follow-up time was 31 ± 25.9 months.

Conclusion: Intra-articular calcaneal fractures are severe injuries of the hindfoot leading to a fair to poor functional outcome in the majority of the patients. Complications regarding wound healing are the most common causes for revisional surgery. Extra-articular calcaneal fractures are a heterogenous entity commonly managed non-operatively. Overall, they show a better functional outcome in comparison to intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Long-term results of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with minimal invasive surgery using percutaneous screw fixation

INTRODUCTION

Over the last 20 years, minimally invasive surgery using Percutaneous Screw Fixation (PSF) has been performed increasingly frequently in the treatment of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures (DIACFs). The purposes of this study were to assess the long-term postoperative outcomes of mobility, foot function, stability, pain and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

All patients had DIACFs and underwent PSF between 1998 and 2006 according to the method reported by Forgon and Zadravecz. Functional outcomes, range of motion and change in footwear were evaluated with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the Maryland Foot Score (MFS). All patients completed a general health status form (Short Form-36 [SF-36]) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for patient satisfaction. Anatomical restoration was assessed based on the pre- and postoperative radiographic images.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients with an DIACF were observed in the period 1998-2006. Patients who had open fractures, died or were <18 years of age at trauma were excluded. A total of 46 patients were asked to complete the questionnaires, during the last quarter of 2018. Of these patients, 27 with 29 DIACFs responded (58%). Nineteen were males, and the mean age at trauma was 45 years. Seven cases were classified as Sanders type II, 14 as Sanders type III, and 8 as Sanders type IV. The mean pre- and postoperative Böhler angles were 10 ͦ and 26 ͦ, respectively. The average follow-up period was 16 years, and at the follow-up, the mean AOFAS, MFS, SF-36 and VAS scores were 76, 74, 63 and 7.7 points, respectively. In comparison to the results at 5-10 years postoperatively in a previous study, we observed a decline in the average AOFAS and MFS scores by 8 and 11 points, respectively. Patient satisfaction decreased by 0.1 points and general health by 14 points.

CONCLUSION

The long-term results of this study show relatively good functional outcomes is two-thirds of the treated patients. According to the reported scores, patients described their level of function as essentially normal. PSF should therefore be considered as a good option in patients with DIAC fractures, especially in patients with Sanders II and III fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III.

Outcomes of intra-articular calcaneal fractures: surgical treatment of 114 consecutive cases at a maximum care trauma center

Background

The aim of this retrospective monocentric study was to investigate the outcomes of surgically treated intra-articular calcaneus fractures in a maximum care trauma center.

Methods

One hundred forty patients who had undergone surgery for intra-articular calcaneal fractures between 2002 and 2013 were included. One hundred fourteen cases with 129 fractures were eligible to participate in the study of which 80 were available for a clinical and radiological follow-up. 34 patients were followed up by telephone interview only. Outcome measures included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, Short Form 36 Health Status Survey (SF-36), complications, and subsequent surgeries.

Results

Mean follow-up was 91 months (range 12–183). The overall complication rate was 29% (37/129 ft). Disturbed wound healing (11%) and infection (5%) occurred most commonly. Non-union (4%) only occurred in smokers (p = 0.02). A high rate of posttraumatic subtalar arthritis (77%) and need for subsequent subtalar fusion (18%) without independent risk factors for subsequent subtalar fusion was found. The revision rate was high (60%) after primary fusion. Mean AOFAS-hindfoot score was 74 (Sanders I: 99, Sanders II: 74, Sanders III: 77, Sanders IV: 70). The postoperative Boehler angle improved significantly in all subgroups (p < 0.01). Patients with a decreased Boehler angle between postoperative images and the follow-up had significantly lower AOFAS hindfoot scores (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our data can aid decision-making in the treatment of calcaneal fractures. We advocate to use primary subtalar fusion with caution due to the high revision rate. Smoking status should always be considered.

Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Randomized comparative study between extensile lateral and sinus tarsi approaches for the treatment of Sanders type 2 calcaneal fracture

AIMS

No randomized comparative study has compared the extensile lateral approach (ELA) and sinus tarsi approach (STA) for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. This randomized comparative study was conducted to confirm whether the STA was prone to fewer wound complications than the ELA.

METHODS

Between August 2013 and August 2018, 64 patients with Sanders type 2 calcaneus fractures were randomly assigned to receive surgical treatment by the ELA (32 patients) and STA (32 patients). The primary outcome was development of wound complications. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, pain scored of a visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, 36-item Short Form health survey, operative duration, subtalar joint range of motion (ROM), Böhler's angle and calcaneal width, and posterior facet reduction.

RESULTS

Although four patients (12.5%) in the ELA groups and none in the STA group experienced complications, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.113). VAS and AOFAS score were significantly better in the STA group than in the ELA group at six months (p = 0.017 and p = 0.021), but not at 12 months (p = 0.096 and p = 0.200) after surgery. The operation time was significantly shorter in the STA group than in the ELA group (p < 0.001). The subtalar joint ROM was significantly better in the STA group (p = 0.015). Assessment of the amount of postoperative reduction compared with the uninjured limb showed significant restoration of calcaneal width in the ELA group compared with that in the STA group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The ELA group showed higher frequency of wound complications than the STA group for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures even though this was not statistically significant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):286-293.

Cost-Effectiveness of Operative Versus Nonoperative Management of Patients With Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures

OBJECTIVE

To assess the costs, health gains, and cost-effectiveness of operative versus nonoperative treatment of calcaneal fractures over a 5-year time horizon from both US societal and payer perspectives.

METHODS

The societal perspective analysis included both direct medical costs and costs for missed work, whereas the health care payer perspective analysis included only direct medical costs associated with treatment and complications. A decision tree simulation model was developed to estimate the direct medical and indirect costs (2018 US$) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for treatment of patients sustaining intra-articular calcaneal fractures fixed with an extensile lateral approach. Direct medical costs were obtained from a large US health care system in Utah, Intermountain Healthcare, and indirect costs from the literature. Utility and probability parameters were also derived from the literature. Parameter uncertainty was explored using both one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

From a US societal perspective, operative treatment costs less ($35,110 vs. $39,870) and yielded more QALYs (3.89 vs. 3.51) over 5 years compared with nonoperative treatment. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY, operative fixation had an 89% probability of being cost-effective. From a health care payer perspective, operative management remained cost-effective as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is below the willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY.

CONCLUSION

From both US societal and health care payer perspectives, operative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures utilizing an extensile lateral approach is cost-effective at commonly accepted willingness-to-pay thresholds compared with nonoperative treatment over a 5-year time horizon. Patient variability may impact cost-effectiveness and should be explored in future research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Economic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Calcaneal fracture fixation using a new interlocking nail reduces complications compared to standard locking plates - Preliminary results after 1.6 years

INTRODUCTION

Surgical treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures using a standard extended lateral approach for plate fixation is frequently associated with substantial wound healing complications and infections. This matched pairs analysis compares the new minimally-invasive calcaneal interlocking nailing technique to standard locking plate fixation in terms of reduction capacity, complication rates, and functional outcomes.

METHODS

Forty feet in 38 patients (mean patient age 52.5 years, range 27-78) were treated with calcaneal locking nail (LN)(n=20) or locking plate (LP)(n=20) and followed clinically and radiologically for 20 months. Follow-up included radiological assessments and functional evaluations including the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score and the Foot Function Index (R-FFI).

RESULTS

Times for surgery were similar for both techniques (LN 93min, range 34 to 175 vs. LP 101min, range 53 to 305). Length of hospital stay was significantly lower in the LN group (7.6 days, range 3 to 14 vs. LP 11 days, range 6 to 37). Time away from work was shorter by 3.5 days in LN group. LP group had superior range of motion in plantarflexion, eversion, and inversion at follow-up, while LP patients were superior in demonstrating a secure heelstrike (79% vs. LN 58%) and fewer needed permanent walking aids. AOFAS and FFI scores revealed no differences for both groups. Radiographs indicated an adequate reconstruction in both groups, followed by a slight loss of reduction at follow-up (LP 4.7° postoperative vs. follow-up; LN 5.1°). The overall complication rate between groups was significant with 5% complications in the LN group vs. 50% in the LP group (5% deep infection, 35% impaired wound healing, 5% hardware breakage, 5% superficial wound infection; LN: 5% superficial wound infection).

CONCLUSIONS

The new calcaneal interlocking nail shows promising results in terms of reduction capacity and safety. Use of the minimally invasive locking nail technique minimized the risk of postoperative wound complications and achieved superior functional outcomes compared with standard locking plate fixation via the extended lateral approach.

Closed Manipulation, Intraosseous Reduction, and Rigid Internal Fixation for Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures

Although open reduction and internal fixation for treating displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remain common, difficulty obtaining and maintaining both calcaneal morphology and subtalar articular surface reduction remain. In addition, open approaches induce a significant risk of wound-healing complications. For this reason, closed manipulation to restore calcaneal morphology, intra-osseous fracture reduction, and rigid locked nail fixation was developed and validated for clinical use. Conversion to an immediate primary or delayed reconstructive subtalar joint arthrodesis using the same instrumentation remains unique to this system. This article reviews the CALCANAIL surgical technique for performing operative fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Joint-Sparing Surgical Management of Sanders IV Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures

Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures represent life-altering injuries. Difficulty obtaining and maintaining calcaneal morphology and the significant risk of wound healing complications with an extensile lateral incision exist. Open reduction with internal fixation as a joint-sparing approach has been studied. Closed manipulation to restore calcaneal morphology, intra-osseous fracture reduction, and rigid locked CALCANAIL fracture nail fixation have recently been applied to Sanders IV fracture patterns. Spontaneous conversion to primary subtalar joint arthrodesis using the same instrumentation remains unique to this system. This article reviews open and percutaneous approaches for joint-sparing and primary arthrodesis procedures to treat Sanders IV fracture patterns.

Comparison of sinus tarsi approach versus extensile lateral approach for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures Sanders type IV

PURPOSE

Displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures Sanders type IV(DIACFS IV) can result in an unsatisfactory prognosis and a high complication rate. Our investigation intends to compare the outcomes of DIACFS IV treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via sinus tarsi approach (STA) with these via extensile lateral approach (ELA).

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients (82 ft) with DIACFS IV who were treated with ORIF (29 in STA group and 40 in ELA group) were retrospectively assessed. Median follow-up was 50 months in two groups. Radiographic results were reviewed pre-operatively and post-operatively, and relative complications were collected. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

The wound-healing complication rate was 14.28% in STA group and 34.04% in ELA group (p = .043), and overall complication rate was 54% and 77% (p = .056), respectively. Seven cases of sural nerve injury only occurred in ELA group. The post-operative radiographs of the calcaneus (Böhler's angle, height, width, and length) were significantly different from those measured pre-operatively in each group. And these data were parallel between the two groups. In STA and ELA groups, the average AOFAS was 75.45 versus 72.44 (p = .496), and the mean VAS was 23.95 versus 30.93 (p = .088), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Similar clinical and radiographic outcomes are achieved between STA and ELA. And STA has a lower incidence of wound healing complication and sural nerve injury. Therefore, ORIF via STA can be a considerable management for DIACFS IV.

Mid-term follow-up results of calcaneal reconstruction for calcaneal malunion

Background

We hypothesized that calcaneal reconstruction can relieve chronic pain due to calcaneal malunion. We report the mid-term follow-up results of calcaneal reconstruction for calcaneal malunion.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 10 male patients (10 ft) who underwent calcaneal reconstruction for calcaneal malunion between January 2009 and July 2014 at the mid-term follow-up. Talocalcaneal height and angle, calcaneal pitch, calcaneal width, Böhler angle, Stephens classification, and Zwipp classification were evaluated by three orthopedic doctors at each visit (pre-reconstruction, post-reconstruction, and at the last follow-up).

Results

The mean follow-up period was 67.1 months (range, 48–101 months). The sites of pain before reconstruction were lateral aspect (4 patients), plantar aspect (3 patients), diffuse pain (2 patients), and anterior aspect (1 patient). There was a significant difference in talocalcaneal height, talocalcaneal angle, calcaneal pitch, calcaneal width, and Böhler angle before and after reconstruction (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between reconstruction and the last follow-up. Radiological measurement agreement was calculated to be moderate to strong (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.659–0.988). Mean American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle and Hindfoot score improved from 66.50 ± 9.37 pre-reconstruction to 80.30 ± 8.52 at the last follow-up (p < 0.05). The mean visual analog scale score improved from 8.60 ± 1.43 before reconstruction to 3.40 ± 0.84 at the last follow-up (p < 0.05). Most patients were satisfied with the outcome postoperatively.

Conclusions

Our results showed substantial improvement in the clinical and radiological outcomes after calcaneal reconstruction of calcaneal malunion. This outcome was maintained until the mid-term follow-up. Therefore, calcaneal reconstruction may be a good option for the treatment of chronic pain caused by the malunion of a calcaneal fracture without severe subtalar arthritis. Further prospective studies are needed to test this theory.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, Retrospective Case Series.

Management of Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: Clinical Results of Reduction Technique Using a Bone Spreader

The purpose of the present study was to examine the clinical results of surgery for intra-articular calcaneal fractures using a calcaneal locking plate and a bone spreader as a reduction tool. Ten patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated. An extended lateral approach was used. The reduction of the intra-articular fragments of the posterior facet was temporarily held using a bone spreader and Kirschner wires. Internal fixation was achieved with a locking calcaneal plate. Böhler's angle and Preiss' angle were assessed on the day of injury and the day of the final follow-up examination. The step off and gap of the posterior facet were assessed on the day of injury and the first week after surgery. The functional outcome was evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot scale score. The mean Böhler's angle ranged from 2.1° ± 11.0° to 30.4° ± 5.0° (p < .0001), the mean Preiss' angle ranged from 23.5° ± 4.5° to 15.5° ± 2.9° (p < .0001), the mean step off ranged from 4.0 ± 1.9 mm to 0.1 ± 0.2 mm (p = .0002), and the mean gap ranged from 2.6 ± 1.0 mm to 1.2 ± 0.6 mm (p = .0035). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scale score was 89.2 (range 85 to 100) at a mean of 14.3 months after surgery. Our results suggest that a locking calcaneal plate can be used to restore and reduce an intra-articular calcaneal fracture and achieve good clinical results.

Post-operative radiological predictors of satisfying outcomes occurring after intra-articular calcaneal fractures: a three dimensional CT quantitative evaluation

PURPOSE

No functional outcome related to 3-D CT evaluations for calcaneal fractures has been presented. The aims of this study are to analyze the post-operative morphological parameters of calcaneal fractures in 3-D space and to correlate the 3-D morphological parameters with functional outcomes.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2015, 156 patients operatively treated for displaced calcaneal fractures were retrospectively reviewed with an average follow-up time of 32.4 months. Böhler's angle, Gissane's angle, the length of calcaneal axis, the height of posterior facet, the length of posterior facet, and the subtalar joint congruity were evaluated post-operatively in accordance with 3-D CT. Each parameter was quantified, and then its association with the clinical outcomes assessed by the AOFAS score and Short Form-36 questionnaire was evaluated.

RESULTS

The restoration of the length of calcaneal axis, the height of posterior facet, and the length of posterior facet had no significant correlation with the clinical outcomes (P > 0.05). The restoration of Böhler's angle and Gissane's angle had significant correlation with the better AOFAS score (P < 0.001), while no correlation was found with the SF-36 physical component summary score (P > 0.05). No significant association emerged between the clinical outcomes and reconstruction of the posterior facet congruity (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The predictable functional outcome is related to the reconstruction of post-operative morphological characteristics of the calcaneus as evaluated on 3-D CT, especially the Böhler's angle and Gissane's angle. Despite post-operative step-off of the posterior facet exiting, the clinical outcomes appear to be not related to the posterior facet congruity.

Radiological study of the secondary reduction effect of early functional exercise on displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures after internal compression fixation

PURPOSE

Early post-operative exercise and weight-bearing activities are found to improve the functional recovery of patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs). We hypothesized that early functional exercise after surgery might have a secondary reduction effect on the subtalar joint, in particular the smaller fracture fragments that were not fixed firmly. A prospective study was conducted to verify this hypothesis.

METHODS

From December 2012 to September 2013, patients with unilateral DIACFs were enrolled and received a treatment consisting of percutaneous leverage and minimally invasive fixation. After surgery, patients in the study group started exercising on days two to three, using partial weight bearing starting week three, and full weight bearing starting week 12. Patients in the control group followed a conventional post-operative protocol of partial weight bearing after week six and full weight bearing after the bone healed. Computed tomography (CT) scanning was performed at post-operative day one, week four, week eight, and week 12 to reconstruct coronal, sagittal, and axial images, on which the maximal residual displacements of the fractures were measured. Function was evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring scale at the 12th post-operative month.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients in the study group and 32 in the control group were followed up for more than 12 months; their data were collected and used for the final analysis. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the maximal residual displacements of the fracture measured on CT images revealed significant differences between the study and the control groups. There were interaction effects between group and time point. Except for the first time point, the differences between the groups at all studied time points were significant. In the study group, the differences between all studied time points were significant. Strong correlations were observed between the AOFAS score at post-operative month 12 and the maximal residual displacement of the fractures on the CT images at postoperative week 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Early functional exercise and weight bearing activity can smooth and shape the subtalar joint and reduce the residual displacement of the articular surface, improving functional recovery of the affected foot. Therefore, early rehabilitation functional exercise can be recommended in clinical practice.