Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with combined transarticular external fixation and minimal internal fixation

Limb Reconstruction System Assisted Reduction and Internal Fixation for Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A New Application

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive reduction and fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures poses great challenges for orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of the present study was to report the technical points, evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive reduction and internal fixation assisted by the temporary limb reconstruction system (LRS) external fixator for intra-articular calcaneal fractures, and propose the indications of our protocol.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, a series of 34 consecutive closed and displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures involving the articular surface were treated by this technology between June 2016 and April 2018. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scans were performed before and after surgery to measure Bohler's angle; the length, height, and width of the calcaneus; and the mechanical axis of the hindfoot. Postoperative complications were recorded. Imaging and clinical outcomes were comprehensively evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle scoring system. After testing the normality of the data, Bohler's angle and the length of calcaneus were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The height, width of the calcaneus, and the mechanical axis of the hindfoot were compared using the Paired-Samples t-test.

RESULTS

Thirty-two fractures were followed up for an average of 20.66 months (from 12 to 32 months). All fractures achieved stable reduction and bony union. The articular surface was reduced and fixed with direct vision through the sinus tarsi incision. No failure of internal fixation or loss of reduction was detected during follow-up. There were no soft tissue complications. Bohler's angle; the length, height, and width of the calcaneus; and the mechanical axis of the hindfoot improved significantly. The AOFAS scores averaged 84.12 points; seven cases were rated excellent, 20 good, four fair, and one poor.

CONCLUSIONS

For intra-articular calcaneal fractures, minimally invasive surgery assisted with temporary LRS external fixation can reconstruct the calcaneal shape and the sub-talar articular surface. This simple surgical modality with limited complications may be helpful in the surgical treatment of most type II and III calcaneal fractures except comminuted fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity.

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.

Fine Wire Circular Fixation for Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Systematic Review

Intra-articular calcaneal fractures represent an ongoing challenge for the orthopedic community, with the benefits of the previous "gold standard" treatment of open reduction and internal fixation having been called into question in several large randomized controlled trials. Fine wire circular fixation may represent a useful alternative treatment for these injuries, combining minimally invasive application with rigid fixation, which allows the possibility of early weight bearing We performed a systematic review of published studies that used circular fixation for calcaneal fractures and recorded functional outcomes at follow-up. In a total of 11 studies with 255 calcaneal fractures for which there was follow-up, our inclusion criteria were met: 8.2% of fractures were bilateral, 11.9% of fractures were open fractures, and 12.6% of patients had multiple orthopedic injuries. Functional outcomes were assessed with the use of a variety of tools across the different studies, but outcomes compared favorably with those seen with open reduction and internal fixation. Although pin site infections were common (22.6%), serious complications, including deep infection (0.8%), wound infection (1.6%), and complex regional pain syndrome (0.8%), were exceedingly rare. The results suggest that this is a viable alternative treatment for calcaneal fractures, but higher-quality randomized controlled trials are required before the technique can enter mainstream use.

Comparisons of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures: Finite element analysis and clinical outcome

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability and clinical outcome of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation (EFLIF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treating Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures.

METHODS

Two types of fixation systems were selected for finite element analysis and a dual cohort study. Two fixation systems were simulated to fix the fracture in a finite element model. The relative displacement and stress distribution were analysed and compared. A total of 71 consecutive patients with closed Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the treatment to which they chose: the EFLIF group and the ORIF group. The radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

The relative displacement of the EFLIF was less than that of the plate (0.1363 mm to 0.1808 mm). The highest von Mises stress value on the plate was 33% higher than that on the EFLIF. A normal restoration of the Böhler angle was achieved in both groups. No significant difference was found in the clinical outcome on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot Scale, or on the Visual Analogue Scale between the two groups (p > 0.05). Wound complications were more common in those who were treated with ORIF (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Both EFLIF and ORIF systems were tested to 160 N without failure, showing the new construct to be mechanically safe to use. Both EFLIF and ORIF could be effective in treating Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. The EFLIF may be superior to ORIF in achieving biomechanical stability and less blood loss, shorter surgical time and hospital stay, and fewer wound complications.Cite this article: M. Pan, L. Chai, F. Xue, L. Ding, G. Tang, B. Lv. Comparisons of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures: Finite element analysis and clinical outcome. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:433-438. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.67.2000640.

Sinus tarsi approach versus extensile lateral approach for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture: a meta-analysis of current evidence base

Background

The extensile lateral approach (ELA) has been widely performed for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs), and wound complications remain a significant problem. As a minimal incision technique, the sinus tarsi approach (STA) was designed to overcome this disadvantage. There were already many reports about this approach but the conclusions were not completely consistent. Based on the current evidence, we performed this meta-analysis to compare the STA with ELA in the management of DIACF and expected to draw a certain and meaningful conclusion.

Methods

All potentially relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies (CSs) were searched in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and ClinicalTrial.gov. The desirable outcomes including wound complications, excellent and good rate, secondary surgery rate and Böhler’s angle were extracted. RCT studies were assessed using the Risk of Bias Tool recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration, and cohort studies were evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The data of RCTs and cohorts were pooled respectively using the fixed-effect model or random-effect model. Mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous data, and relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated for dichotomous data. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed with the Q test and I². Sensitivity analysis was developed to assess the reliability of pooled results.

Results

Seven studies including two RCTs and five CSs were eligible for the meta-analysis. No matter RCTs or CSs, the pooled data all showed that STA group had a lower incidence of wound complications than that in the ELA group and no significant difference was found in excellent and good rate and the recovery of Böhler’s angle between the two groups. The CSs also showed that the STA group had a lower incidence of secondary surgeries than that in the ELA group.

Conclusions

Through a STA, we not only can reduce the problems in wound healing but also achieve nearly the same adequate restoration of DIACF along with the similar functional outcomes compared with through an ELA.

Outcome of Minimally Invasive Open and Percutaneous Techniques for Repair of Calcaneal Fractures: A Systematic Review

Percutaneous and minimally invasive open techniques for the treatment of calcaneal fractures are now frequently used with good results, although a comparison between these different techniques has not yet been performed. The aim of the present review was to search for studies evaluating the outcomes of patients after treatment with percutaneous and minimally invasive open techniques for calcaneal fractures. A search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies from the previous 15 years in English were included. Data on the Sanders classification, operation technique, infection rate, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, radiographic evaluation, and follow-up were extracted. The techniques were divided into 4 groups: minimally invasive open, percutaneous reduction and screw osteosynthesis, external fixation, and other. Forty-six studies were included, with 1776 patients and 2018 calcaneal fractures. Of the 2018 fractures, 924 (46%) were classified as Sanders II, 558 (28%) as Sanders III, and 245 (12%) as Sanders IV; the fractures of 291 patients(14%) were not classified or were classified as complete extra-articular. Of the 46 studies, 15 used a minimally invasive open technique, 19 evaluated the outcome of percutaneous reduction and screw osteosynthesis, 10 investigated the results of an external fixation system, and 2 studies used other operative techniques. The median infection rate was 3% (range 0% to 33%). The median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 83 (range 67 to 94). The median angle of Böhler postoperatively was 24° (range 14° to 35°) and had increased after operative treatment, with a median of 16° (range 0° to 39°). The percutaneous reduction and screw osteosynthesis and minimal invasive open technique resulted in significantly better outcomes compared with external fixation and other techniques. In conclusion, percutaneous reduction and screw osteosynthesis and minimal invasive open techniques have the best outcomes for the minimal invasive open surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures.

Comparison Between Sinus Tarsi Approach and Extensile Lateral Approach for Treatment of Closed Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Multicenter Prospective Study

The purpose of our investigation was to prospectively review and compare the early outcomes of Sanders II and III closed displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) in a group of patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws using the extended lateral approach or the sinus tarsi approach (STA). Thirty-eight patients with DIACFs were prospectively enrolled and operatively treated using either the extended lateral approach or the STA. Patients underwent a careful clinical and radiographic examination and were evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, visual analog scale, and the Foot Function Index. The results from our study showed similar clinical and radiographic outcomes between the 2 groups. In our series, Sanders II and III DIACFs were sufficiently exposed using the STA to achieve anatomic reduction and stable fixation. The STA group had a lower incidence of wound complications (p ≥ .05), the surgical procedure was faster, and the waiting time to surgery was shorter (p ≤ .05). Despite the limited number of patients and the short follow-up period, our results suggest that the STA is a useful method for the treatment of DIACFs, with a low incidence of complications and results comparable to those for patients treated using the extended lateral approach.

Temporising external fixation of calcaneus fractures prior to definitive plate fixation: a case series

INTRODUCTION

Surgical management of calcaneus fractures is technically demanding and has a high risk of wound complications. These fractures are traditionally managed with splinting until swelling has subsided, which can take weeks and leaves the fracture fragments displaced. We describe a novel protocol for the management of displaced intraarticular calcaneus fractures that utilises a temporising external fixator and staged conversion to plate fixation through a sinus tarsi approach. The goal of this technique was to enable earlier treatment with open reduction and internal fixation, minimise the amount of manipulation required at the time of definitive fixation and reduce the wound complication rate seen with the traditional extensile approach.

METHODS

The records of patients with displaced calcaneus fractures from 2010-2014 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of nine patients with 10 calcaneus fractures were treated using this protocol. All patients underwent ankle-spanning medial external fixation within 48 hours after injury. Patients underwent conversion to open plate fixation through a sinus tarsi approach when skin turgor had returned to normal. Time to surgery, infection rate, wound complications, radiographic alignment, and time to radiographic union were recorded.

RESULTS

The average Bohler's angle improved from 13.2 (range -2 to 34) degrees preoperatively to 34.3 (range 26 to 42) degrees postoperatively. The average time from external fixation to conversion to internal fixation was 4.8 (range 3 to 7) days. There were no immediate post-surgical complications. The average time to weight-bearing was 8.5 weeks. The average time to radiographic union was 9.5 (range 8 to 12) weeks. There were no infections or wound complications at the time of last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Early temporising external fixation for the acute management of displaced calcaneus fractures is a safe and effective method to reduce and stabilise the foot and may decrease the time to definitive fixation. There were no complications related to the use of the external fixator in this series.

Surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Most intra-articular calcaneal fractures are a result of high-energy trauma. The operative management of calcaneal fractures has been based on achieving anatomic reduction and minimizing complications of the compromised soft tissue envelope. The traditional extensile lateral approach offers advantages of achieving adequate fracture reduction with the risk of wound-healing complications and infection. Limited open reduction and internal fixation techniques with or without using external fixation focuses on achieving fracture reduction with less risk of wound complications but higher risk of malunion. This article discusses key points of operative management for various intra-articular calcaneal fracture patterns and clinical presentations.

Staged subtalar fusion for severe calcaneus fractures with bone loss

Background:

With high energy fractures to the calcaneus there is the potential for significant bone loss. The loss of bone can make it difficult to fully regain calcaneal alignment. In addition these fractures are often associated with significant soft tissue injury. These two factors make it difficult to address this injury in a single stage, and can have significant complications. To address these issues our initial goal in treatment has been restoration of calcaneal alignment and stabilization of the surrounding soft tissue, followed by delayed/staged subtalar arthrodesis.

Methods:

Patients with calcaneus fractures treated by a single surgeon from 2002 to 2012 were reviewed. Injuries which were found to have medial extrusion of the posterior facet and bone loss, and subsequently underwent a staged protocol involving early provisional fixation and late subtalar fusion were included.

Results:

We treated 6 calcaneus fractures with bone loss. All patients were treated with staged subtalar fusion after initial irrigation and debridement and provisional fixation. No soft-tissue complications were noted after the fusion procedure in any of the six cases. Fusion occurred in all six patients at an average of 20.6 weeks (range, 13-23 weeks). All patients were able to ambulate and wear a regular shoe by one year following the initial injury.

Conclusion:

It is important in the high energy calcaneus fracture to assess for both soft tissue integrity and bone loss. A thorough debridement of both the soft tissues and any devitalized bone should be performed as well as provisional fixation which attempts to restore near normal calcaneal anatomy. Definitive fusion should not be performed until the soft tissues have fully recovered.

Weight bearing after a periarticular fracture: what is the evidence?

Orthopedic surgeons frequently provide weight-bearing recommendations to guide patient recovery following lower extremity fractures. This article discusses the available literature regarding the effects of early weight bearing on fracture healing, patient compliance with weight bearing restrictions, and the effect of different weight bearing protocols following acetabular, tibial plateau, tibial plafond, ankle, and calcaneus fractures.