Large bone distractor for open reconstruction of articular fractures of the calcaneus

The results of operative treatment of two groups of patients with articular fractures of the calcaneus were evaluated. Twenty-three cases were treated surgically using a standard reconstruction procedure. In the second group of 19 patients a large bone distractor was used; it held the soft tissue flap retracted, while aiding in articular and tuberosity fragment reduction and increasing visualisation by distraction of the posterior talocalcaneal joint. After a year, the anatomical and functional results, together with the operative time, were evaluated. All fractures healed with good or very good anatomical results. All cases, except those with complications (n = 3), achieved good (n = 28) or very good (n = 11) functional scoring. The distractor group had significantly shorter operative times, and less manpower was needed during surgery. We conclude that the large bone distractor is a useful tool in open reconstruction of articular calcaneal fractures.