Schippers P, Engels R, Benning D, Fischer S, Wunderlich F, Afghanyar Y, Arand C, Nienhaus M, Drees P, Gercek E, Küchle R. Functional outcomes after intramedullary nailing (C-Nail®) of severe calcaneal fractures with mean follow-up of 36 months.
Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2024;
50:1111-1118. [PMID:
38226990 PMCID:
PMC11249407 DOI:
10.1007/s00068-023-02433-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Calcaneal fractures (CFs) are rare but potentially debilitating injuries. Apart from the open, far lateral or sinus tarsi approach, operative treatment can be performed minimally invasive and percutaneously with intramedullary nailing. In this study, we sought to investigate the functional outcome of severe CFs treated with the C-Nail® implant.
METHODS
Twenty-two CFs (9 × Sanders III and 8 × Sanders IV), operated between 2016 and 2019, were followed up with a mean duration of 36 (± 11) months. The AOFAS score, pre- and postoperative Böhler angles, wound healing disorders, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) like pain levels and return to work/sport levels were assessed.
RESULTS
The mean AOFAS score was 72.0 (± 9.8). Four patients sustained wound healing disorders, yet no implant-associated surgical revision was required. Fifty percent of patients were pain-free within 1 year. Within 1 year, about 50% of the patients could return to sports, and about 80% of the patients could return to work. PROMs and functional results align with those from other implants reported in the literature.
CONCLUSION
Intramedullary nailing of severe CFs with the C-Nail® implant can be considered a safe treatment alternative that yields acceptable results at mid-terms.
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