Dynamic and Functional Gait Analysis of Severely Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneus Fractures Treated with a Hinged External Fixator or Internal Stabilization

The purpose of this article was to assess functional gait outcome. Fifty-five patients with severely displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures and soft tissue damage were evaluated prospectively with computerized dynamic pedography and a clinical scoring scale. The treatment protocol assigned 30 patients to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and 25 to closed reduction and stabilization with a biomechanically tested hinged external fixator. Gait parameter was evaluated by measuring plantar pressure distribution, length of a double-step, double-step duration, standing duration, effective foot length, and width of gait. Pedographic measurements were performed with a custom-made gait analysis system (medilogic Gangas, Berlin, Germany). Results were graded by an extended protocol of questionnaires and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scales. Radiographs were reviewed according to the Sanders classification at the time of follow-up (7.3 years). All measurements were statistically analyzed (t test; Mann-Whitney U test). Aberrations were associated with all calcaneal fractures in both groups. Dynamic gait analysis showed gait asymmetry in all patients. The type of treatment (ORIF or a hinged fixator) of severely displaced calcaneus fractures did not affect gait analysis nor result in significantly different (P > .05) patient outcome scores. The gait analysis system allows a valid dynamic pedographic measurement. The hinged external fixator can be recommended in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with severe soft tissue damage to reduce complications associated with ORIF. ACFAS Level of Clinical Evidence: 2c.     

Functional outcome of patients following open reduction internal fixation for bilateral calcaneus fractures

Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures has historically been controversial, but recent developments have led to resurgence in open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for displaced calcaneus fractures. Recent functional outcome studies comparing operative to nonoperative treatment of unilateral calcaneus fractures has shown a trend towards improved function with ORIF. No studies have investigated the functional outcome of patients who have required operative treatment of bilateral displaced calcaneus fractures. The purpose of this study was to review our operative experience with bilateral displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. A retrospective review of medical charts indicated 13 patients had undergone ORIF for bilateral calcaneus fractures. Nine patients could be contacted and brought to the clinic for functional evaluation and radiographic CT studies. Functional outcome was assessed by the Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Score (MFA) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Hindfoot Score (AOFAS). The average follow-up was 56 months. Over half of the patients required additional surgeries. The average MFA and AOFAS scores were 31.1 and 71.8, respectively. Functional outcome decreased for patients with multiple traumatic fractures and surgical procedures of the calcaneus. Our results show a diminished functional outcome for patients sustaining bilateral calcaneus fractures treated with ORIF when compared to patients managed surgically for unilateral calcaneus fractures, but better functional outcomes than patients who do not undergo ORIF for unilateral calcaneus fractures. This diminished function limits work capacity and ability to perform daily activities that require standing.     

The value of subtalar arthroscopy in the management of intra-articular calcaneus fractures

A wealth of clinical and experimental data suggests, that anatomical restoration of the posterior calcaneal facet is a major predictor of outcome after intra-articular calcaneus fractures. The value of subtalar arthroscopy was examined in three clinical study groups (I-III. MATERIALS AND METHODS: (I) The subtalar joint was inspected arthroscopically in 28 patients during hardware removal one year after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This procedure was accompanied by subtalar arthrolysis in all cases. (II) Open subtalar arthroscopy was performed to evaluate the quality of reduction after ORIF of intra-articular calcaneus fractures in 59 cases. Arthroscopy was performed after seemingly exact reconstruction of the posterior facet as judged visually and fluoroscopically. (III) Arthroscopically assisted percutaneous reduction and screw fixation (PRSF) was performed in 18 patients with Sanders II fractures. Reduction was achieved with a Schanz screw introduced percutaneously into the tuberosity fragment and controlled fluoroscopically, while fine corrections were made under arthroscopic guidance. RESULTS: (I) Clinical results after ORIF of intra-articular calcaneus fractures were highly correlated to the degree of residual incongruities and chondromalacia of the posterior facet as seen arthroscopically during hardware removal (P < 0.01). (II) In 13 of 59 cases (22.0%) during ORIF despite seemingly accurate reduction, steps between 1-2 mm were detected arthroscopically in the posterior calcaneal facet and reduction was repeated subsequently in these cases. (III) Fifteen patients who underwent arthroscopically guided PRSF were re-evaluated after a minimum of one year with excellent clinical results (94.1 pts. with the AOFAS scales). No wound complications were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Subtalar arthroscopy provides a most precise and thorough view of the posterior facet of the calcaneus both in assessing the quality of initial reduction as well as evaluation during hardware removal after intra-articular calcaneus fractures. It is more precise than intra-operative fluoroscopy and less time consuming than standard Brodén views during surgery. The use of arthroscopy allows anatomical percutaneous reduction and screw fixation of Sanders II fractures. It therefore provides a useful additional tool in treating intra-articular calcaneus fractures.     

钢板内固定--跟骨关节内骨折治疗的最好方法?

目的比较采用有限内固定和钢板内固定治疗跟骨关节内骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析自2001年8月～2004年4月的98例105足跟骨关节内骨折手术治疗的患者,其中51例55足使用有限内固定治疗,另47例50足使用标准AO跟骨钢板固定治疗,比较两组疗效。结果全部患者获12～34个月随访,根据美国足踝骨科协会(AOFAS)评分:有限内固定组平均89.8分,优良率83.6%;钢板固定组平均86.8分,优良率80.0%,两组结果相似,差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。软组织问题:有限内固定组3足(5.5%)发生表浅皮肤坏死;钢板组9足(18.0%)中7足发生表浅的皮缘坏死,1足皮肤坏死并钢板外露,1足伤口裂开;两组差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论跟骨关节内骨折切开复位钢板内固定,疗效满意;有限内固定可以获得与钢板固定相似的结果。而有限内固定可能更加经济,更易开展,可能较前者软组织风险更低。     

The use of subtalar arthroscopy in open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Congruency of the subtalar joint is a major predictor of outcome after intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Because of the irregular shape of the posterior joint facet, minor steps may be overlooked with direct vision or intra-operative fluoroscopy during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). In a preliminary series of 15 subtalar arthroscopies during hardware removal after ORIF of intra-articular calcaneal fractures, patients with visible steps of 1 mm or more had significantly inferior functional results compared to those with an intact subtalar joint (117 vs. 158 points with the 200-point score, 71.3 vs. 91.2 points with the Maryland Foot Score, P<0.01). Congruency of the posterior facet was controlled arthroscopically in 47 intra-articular calcaneus fractures after open reduction and temporary K-wire-fixation. In 12 cases (25.5%), despite seemingly correct reduction as judged fluoroscopically, incongruencies in the posterior calcaneal facet were detected and reduction was repeated, temporarily removing the K-wires. After anatomical reduction a standard AO calcaneal plate was fixed to the lateral wall. Intra-operative arthroscopy appears to be useful in detecting minor incongruencies after ORIF of intra-articular calcaneus fractures. In the hands of an experienced surgeon it is less time demanding than intra-operative X-rays and more precise than fluoroscopy.     

The effect of demineralized bone matrix-calcium sulfate with vancomycin on calcaneal fracture healing and infection rates: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures may have a central cancellous bone defect area. We hypothesized that human demineralized bone matrix (DBM) calcium sulfate (CaSO(4)) might act as a reasonable alternative to autograft in calcaneal fractures. When combined with antibiotic powder, this bone graft substitute also may act as a local antibiotic delivery device. This is the first clinical study evaluating bone healing and complications associated with DBM-calcium sulfate bone graft substitute in the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with a central cancellous bone defect. METHODS: Over a 29-month period, 33 displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with central cancellous defects were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and grafting with vancomycin/DBM-calcium sulfate bone graft substitute. Eleven fractures without bone defects were treated with ORIF only. Patient demographics, medical history, and CT fracture classification were recorded. Postoperatively, fractures were monitored every 2 weeks for healing and complications. RESULTS: The mean time to union was 8.2 weeks in the grafted, while the control group mean time to union was 10.4 weeks (p = 0.0117). Wound problems occurred in five (15%) of the 33 patients with grafting, all in type III fractures with severe soft-tissue swelling, and included two minor wound healing delays, and three serious wound problems. At a mean followup time of 22.4 months, no DBM-calcium sulfate grafted calcaneus demonstrated evidence of osteomyelitis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study examining human DBM-calcium sulfate bone graft substitute to treat displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Based on these initial data, human DBM-calcium sulfate acted as an acceptable and safe autograft alternative in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with moderate (5 cc to 10 cc) central cancellous bone defects.     

Calcaneus fractures: facts, controversies and recent developments

The management of calcaneus fractures and their associated soft tissue injuries are challenging tasks for the surgeon. Open reduction and stable internal fixation with a lateral plate and without joint transfixation has been established as a standard therapy for displaced intra-articular fractures with good to excellent results in two-thirds to three-quarters of cases in larger clinical series. Bone grafting appears not useful in the vast majority of cases. Anatomical reduction of joint congruity and the overall shape of the calcaneus are important prognostic factors. The quality of joint reduction should be reliably proven intra-operatively either with Brodén views, high-resolution fluoroscopy or open subtalar arthroscopy. Treatment results are adversely affected by open fractures, delayed reduction after more than 14 days and individual risk factors such as high body mass index and smoking. The extended lateral approach respects the neurovascular supply to the heel and allows a good exposure of the fractured lateral wall, and the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints in most fractures. In selected fracture patterns percutaneous screw fixation, possibly with arthroscopic control, is a good alternative. Open fractures, compartment syndrome and fractures with severe soft tissue compromise are treated as emergency cases. Early, stable soft tissue coverage appears promising in treating complex open fractures. The benefits of newly developed plate designs and subtalar arthrolysis at the time of hardware removal remains to be proven in further studies. Calcaneal malunions after conservative therapy of displaced fractures are disabling conditions that can be treated successfully with a staged protocol according to the type of deformity. Treatment options include lateral wall decompression, subtalar in situ, or corrective, arthrodesis and calcaneal osteotomy along the former fracture line.     

A multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial of open reduction--internal fixation versus total elbow arthroplasty for displaced intra-articular distal humeral fractures in elderly patients

We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial to compare functional outcomes, complications, and reoperation rates in elderly patients with displaced intra-articular, distal humeral fractures treated with open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) or primary semiconstrained total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). Forty-two patients were randomized by sealed envelope. Inclusion criteria were age greater than 65 years; displaced, comminuted, intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus (Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 13C); and closed or Gustilo grade I open fractures treated within 12 hours of injury. Both ORIF and TEA were performed following a standardized protocol. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were determined at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 2 years. Complication type, duration, management, and treatment requiring reoperation were recorded. An intention-to-treat analysis and an on-treatment analysis were conducted to address patients randomized to ORIF but converted to TEA intraoperatively. Twenty-one patients were randomized to each treatment group. Two died before follow-up and were excluded from the study. Five patients randomized to ORIF were converted to TEA intraoperatively because of extensive comminution and inability to obtain fixation stable enough to allow early range of motion. This resulted in 15 patients (3 men and 12 women) with a mean age of 77 years in the ORIF group and 25 patients (2 men and 23 women) with a mean age of 78 years in the TEA group. Baseline demographics for mechanism, classification, comorbidities, fracture type, activity level, and ipsilateral injuries were similar between the 2 groups. Operative time averaged 32 minutes less in the TEA group (P = .001). Patients who underwent TEA had significantly better MEPSs at 3 months (83 vs 65, P = .01), 6 months (86 vs 68, P = .003), 12 months (88 vs 72, P = .007), and 2 years (86 vs 73, P = .015) compared with the ORIF group. Patients who underwent TEA had significantly better DASH scores at 6 weeks (43 vs 77, P = .02) and 6 months (31 vs 50, P = .01) but not at 12 months (32 vs 47, P = .1) or 2 years (34 vs 38, P = .6). The mean flexion-extension arc was 107 degrees (range, 42 degrees -145 degrees) in the TEA group and 95 degrees (range, 30 degrees -140 degrees) in the ORIF group (P = .19). Reoperation rates for TEA (3/25 [12%]) and ORIF (4/15 [27%]) were not statistically different (P = .2). TEA for the treatment of comminuted intra-articular distal humeral fractures resulted in more predictable and improved 2-year functional outcomes compared with ORIF, based on the MEPS. DASH scores were better in the TEA group in the short term but were not statistically different at 2 years' follow-up. TEA may result in decreased reoperation rates, considering that 25% of fractures randomized to ORIF were not amenable to internal fixation. TEA is a preferred alternative for ORIF in elderly patients with complex distal humeral fractures that are not amenable to stable fixation. Elderly patients have an increased baseline DASH score and appear to accommodate to objective limitations in function with time.     

跟骨骨折手术中的螺钉问题

目的 总结钢板螺钉治疗关节内跟骨骨折手术的螺钉问题。方法 应用解剖型AO跟骨钢板治疗关节内跟骨骨折60例。对术后早期出现的螺钉并发症进行分析。结果 随访22个月，螺钉松动1例，螺钉位置不当2例。结论 解剖型AO跟骨钢板治疗关节内跟骨骨折能充分恢复跟骨形态，但需充分术前准备增加螺钉固定位置的准确性，降低手术并发症。     

异型钢板治疗有移位的跟骨骨折

目的探讨切开复位异型钢板内固定治疗跟骨骨折的疗效。方法对30例（30足）SandersⅡ～Ⅳ型跟骨骨折患者采用外侧L型切口入路、开放复位、异型钢板内固定。部分Ⅲ、Ⅳ型骨折患者自体骨移植。结果30例均获随访,时间8～12个月,按MarylandFootScore评价系统评价术后功能：优12足,良11足,可5足,差2足,优良率77．6％。结论切开复位异型钢板内固定对Ⅱ-Ⅳ型跟骨骨折疗效肯定,部分Ⅲ、Ⅳ型骨折者疗效欠佳。     

Complications following management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: a prospective randomized trial comparing open reduction internal fixation with nonoperative management

OBJECTIVE: To report on all complications experienced by patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) following nonoperative management or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, multicenter study. SETTING: Four level I trauma centers. PATIENTS: The patient population consisted of consecutive patients, age 17 to 65 at the time of injury, presenting to 1 of the centers with DIACFs between April 1991 and December 1998. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to the nonoperative treatment group or to operative reduction using a lateral approach to the calcaneus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Follow-up for patients was at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 12 months, 24 months, and once greater than 24 months following injury. At each follow-up interval, patients were assessed for the development of major and minor complications. After a minimum of 2-year follow-up, patients were asked to fill out a validated visual analogue scale questionnaire (VAS) and a general health review (SF-36). RESULTS: There were 226 DIACFs (206 patients) in the ORIF group with 57 of 226 (25%) fractures (57 of 206 patients [28%]) having at least 1 major complication. Of 233 fractures (218 patients) nonoperatively managed, 42 (18%) (42 of 218 patients [19%]) developed at least 1 major complication (indirectly resulting in surgery). CONCLUSION: Complications occur regardless of the management strategy chosen for DIACFs and despite management by experienced surgeons. Complications are a cause of significant morbidity for patients. Outcome scores in this study tend to support ORIF for calcaneal fractures. However, ORIF patients are more likely to develop complications. Certain patient populations (WCB and Sanders type IV) developed a high incidence of complications regardless of the management strategy chosen.     

Y形钢板治疗跟骨关节内骨折分析

[目的]分析使用开放复位Y形钢板内固定治疗跟骨关节内骨折的治疗方法和疗效。[方法]自2002年3月-2004年12月，对38例43足累及距下关节的跟骨骨折行开放复位Y形钢板内固定治疗。[结果]36例4l足获随访6个月-3a（平均20个月），按Maryland足部评分系统评价术后功能，优16足，良22足，优良率为93％。[结论]开放复位Y形钢板内固定能使骨折解剖复位，病人能早期进行功能锻炼，是治疗跟骨关节内骨折较好的方法。     

撬拨复位与切开复位固定治疗跟骨关节内骨折

目的 前瞻性比较经皮撬拨复位内固定与切开复位内固定治疗移位型跟骨关节内骨折的临床疗效.方法 随机方法将2008年3月7日至2010年1月22日收治的40例移位型跟骨关节内骨折患者分为经皮撬拔复位内固定组和切开复位内固定组.结果 术后第2天及术后1年,两组患者在B(o)hler角、侧位片上跟骨长度、轴位片上跟骨宽...     

切开复位重建钢板内固定治疗累及肩盂的肩胛骨骨折

目的探讨累及肩盂的肩胛骨折的治疗方法。方法回顾性分析2003年1月～2007年1月采用切开复位重建钢板内固定治疗的12例累及肩盂的肩胛骨骨折的疗效,记录术后并发症,骨折愈合时间,肩关节外展活动度,采用Neer和UCLA标准评价肩关节功能。结果10例得到平均15.2个月的随访。无表浅和深部感染,骨折均获得骨性愈合,骨折愈合时间12～16周,平均13.5周,肩关节外展90～180°,平均158°。根据Neer肩关节评分标准:优7例,满意3例。根据UCLA评分标准:优7例,良3例。结论采用切开复位重建钢板内固定治疗累及肩盂的肩胛骨骨折可获得满意的临床效果。     

切开复位内固定治疗移位的跟骨关节内骨折

目的探讨切开复位跟骨钢板内固定治疗跟骨关节内骨折的效果。方法自2001年8月至2003年4月,采用切开复位内固定治疗移位的跟骨关节内骨折34例35足。所有骨折均采用Sanders分型,应用广泛外侧入路,AO跟骨钢板内固定。对有选择的病例进行了植骨。应用影像学检查和美国足踝协会的后足评分系统进行结果评价,患者全部获得随访。平均随访时间18.3个月(12～32个月)。结果共完整随访Ⅱ型骨折30足,Ⅲ型骨折5足。术前平均Bhler角是5.6°,随访时平均Bhler角是28.2°。X线测量表明在单侧跟骨骨折患者跟骨高度恢复为健侧的97.7%。80%的患者取得关节面的解剖复位或近解剖复位。平均评分在SandersⅡ型骨折为88分,Ⅲ型骨折为79分。优良率在SandersⅡ型骨折为83%,Ⅲ型骨折为60%。总的优良率为79%。结论对于SandersⅡ型和Ⅲ型骨折患者采用切开复位内固定治疗,效果较好。     

跟骨钛钢板内固定治疗移位跟骨关节内骨折的临床疗效

目的探讨跟骨钛钢板内固定在治疗移位跟骨关节内骨折临床疗效。方法自2006年1月。2009年4月．对28例30足移位跟骨关节内骨折采用跟骨外侧扩大“L”形切口,切开复位跟骨钛钢板内固定。根据骨缺损情况,必要时配合自体髂骨植骨。术后不需要石膏外固定。结果所有患者均获得6月～46月随访（平均为18．5月）。骨折全部愈合,平均愈合时间14．5周（12周～18周）。患者手术前Bohler＇s角平均为9．7。,术后半年为34．5°;Gissane’s角平均为103．2°。术后半年平均为132．50。按Maryland足部评分标准：优22足,良4足,可4足,优良率86．7％。结论跟骨解剖型钛钢板固定可靠,是治疗移位跟骨关节内骨折的理想方法。     

Experience with the AO Pi-plate for displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius.

We have used open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with the AO pi-plate in 32 displaced, intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. The indication was a displaced intra-articular fracture with a step-off of more than 1 mm and a gap between fragments of more than 3 mm, judged from the primary computed tomograms (CT). All fractures were classified as AO type C3. Twenty-nine patients were followed-up after a mean of 23 (9-46) months. The dorsal tilt, the radial length, the radial inclination, the articular step-off, and the intra-articular gap between fragments were substantially improved postoperatively. All the patients had excellent or good extra-articular and intra-articular alignment. Two patients had reduced extension power of the first finger. Seventeen patients had Disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores of less than 10 points, five had scores between 11 and 20, three between 21 and 30, three between 31 and 40, and one patient had a score of 65 points. Complications occurred in two patients: one had a painful amputation neuroma of the superficial radial nerve, and one developed adhesions of the flexor tendons of the second and third fingers because the screws were too long and had penetrated the tendon sheaths. We conclude that the AO pi-plate is an excellent option for the most comminuted fractures of the distal radius.     

锁定跟骨钢板治疗新鲜跟骨骨折

目的 探讨采用锁定跟骨钢板治疗新鲜跟骨关节内移位骨折的临床疗效.方法 2004年10月至2006年10月,治疗34例男性闭合性跟骨关节内移位骨折患者,年龄19～42岁,平均34岁;左足14例,右足20例;高处坠落伤22例,车祸伤12例.受伤至手术时间7～21天,平均13天.术前均对伤足摄正、侧位X线片及跟骨的CT轴位片.根据Sanders分型,Ⅱ型16例,Ⅲ型18例.采用扩大外侧入路对34例患者进行手术,骨折复位后利用锁定跟骨钢板完成骨折内固定.结果 28例患者获得随访,随访时间6～40个月,平均20个月.切口均甲级愈合.B(o)hler角由术前平均7.41°±4.08°改善至术后第7天的29.74°±5.56°和术后3个月的30.00°±5.53°;Gissane角由术前平均163.71°±9.31°改善至术后第7天的122.59°±14.11°和术后3个月的125.85°±19.31°.骨折均愈合,愈合时间为6～12周.术后无一例患者发生撞击或神经、血管损伤等并发症,未出现骨折移位或内固定失败等情况.术前美国足踝外科学会(American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society,AOFAS)评分系统的踝-后足评分为(17.68±9.34)分,术后3个月和6个月分别为(74.79±4.01)分和(74.28±17.92)分.结论 应用锁定跟骨钢板治疗新鲜跟骨骨折,可以获得满意的临床效果,利于患者的功能恢复.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of operative management of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus using locking plates. Methods From October 2004 to October 2006, 34patients with close displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus were fixed with Calcaneal locking Plates through the extensive lateral approach. The right foot was involved in 20 patients. The mean age was 34 yesrs with a range of 19 to 42 years. Accordiing to Sanders' classification system, there were 16 patients in style Ⅱ and 18 in style Ⅲ The mean interval between injury and operation was 13 days Standard reduction and fixation techniques were performed to realign all components of the intra-articular calcaneal fracture using a locking calcaneal fracture plate. The result were evaluated with AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) ankle-hindfoot scale. Results Twenty-eight patients were followed up. The follow-up duration ranged from six to forty months, with the mean of twenty months. angle and were measured at, The average B(o)hler angle was 29° and 30° and the average Gissane was 122° and 125° seven days and three months after operation. Bone union was achieved in all cases. All incisons had healed smoothly. No patient sustained lateral impingement syndrome or soft tissue complications The mean AOFAS scores that was measured three months and six months after operation was 74. Conclusion The application of the calcaneal locking plates through extended lateral approach is proved to be an effective treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture, offering the combination of good reduction and early rehabilitation.     

关节内跟骨骨折内固定治疗与并发症

[目的]提高钢板内固定治疗关节内跟骨骨折的手术疗效、减少手术并发症。[方法]对跟骨骨折行切开复位钢板内固定治疗的51例患者进行随访，并对出现的并发症进行回顾性分析。[结果]51例56足中，47足骨折愈合优良，6足术后发生复位不佳、畸形愈合、切口延迟愈合、感染等并发症，发生率为11．7％。[结论]切开复位钢板内固定可作为治疗波及距下关节跟骨骨折的主要方法，术中注意操作细节、解剖复位可以减少并发症。     

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.