Technique for Minimally Invasive Reduction of Calcaneal Fractures Using Small Bilateral External Fixation

Soft tissue complications are well known after extensile exposure of the calcaneus for open reduction internal fixation of fractures. A variety of recommendations have been proposed to reduce soft tissue healing issues and infection. Despite these recommendations, some surgeons believe that soft tissue complication rates have remained unacceptably high with lateral extensile incisions. Recently, interest in minimally invasive repair techniques for calcaneal fractures has increased. These techniques have been purported to avoid some of the common soft tissue problems seen with calcaneal open reduction internal fixation. The focus of the present communication is to share a minimally invasive surgical method for the reduction and fixation of calcaneal fractures. Percutaneous fixation of the posterior facet fragments can be facilitated by distraction of the fractured calcaneus using skeletal traction and a small bilateral external fixator. Final stability is achieved with a combination of the external fixator and percutaneous screws and/or wires. We present our technique and discuss recent published studies on minimally invasive repair of calcaneal fractures.     

Open calcaneal fractures: results of operative treatment

OBJECTIVE: To review our series of open calcaneal fractures compared with other series. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: All patients were treated at a single Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: We reviewed 19 consecutive patients, each with an open fracture of the calcaneus. Fracture morphology ranged from Sanders type II to type IV; associated soft tissue injuries were variable, ranging from Gustilo type I to type IIIC. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis, and immediate and repeat irrigation and debridement. Definitive fracture reduction was performed at an average of 7 days after injury (range 0-22 days). Fixation methods included lateral plate and screws (11), Kirschner wires and/or screws (6), or none (2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores, clinical examination, and radiographs. RESULTS: All 19 patients were available for follow-up with a physical examination and radiographs at an average of 26.2 months. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores averaged 81.6 (range 58-94). Five patients required free tissue transfer for wound coverage. Two patients developed chronic, draining calcaneal osteomyelitis, for which one patient underwent a below-knee amputation. In our series, for the patients with Gustilo type II and type III open calcaneal fractures, there was an 11% complication rate with higher than expected health-related quality-of-life indices. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not reflect as high a complication rate for open calcaneal fractures as previously reported. We support previous claims that definitive hardware placement at the time of initial irrigation and debridement probably is not warranted: Definitive fracture stabilization can and should wait until soft tissue coverage is fully assessed.     

Neue Techniken in der operativen Versorgung von Calcaneusfrakturen

The ideal treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures is still controversially discussed. Because of the variable fracture patterns and the vulnerable soft tissue coverage an individual treatment concept is advisable. In order to minimize wound edge necrosis associated with extended lateral approaches, selected fractures may be treated percutaneously or in a less invasive manner while controlling joint reduction via a sinus tarsi approach. Fixation in these cases is achieved with screws, intramedullary locking nails or modified plates that are slid in subcutaneously. A thorough knowledge of the three dimensional calcaneal anatomy and open reduction maneuvers is a prerequisite for good results with less invasive techniques. Early functional follow-up treatment aims at early rehabilitation independent of the kind of fixation. Peripheral fractures of the talus and calcaneus frequently result from subluxation and dislocation at the subtalar and Chopart joints. They are still regularly overlooked and result in painful arthritis if left untreated. If an exact anatomical reduction of these intra-articular fractures is impossible, resection of small fragments is indicated.     

Neue Techniken in der operativen Versorgung von Calcaneusfrakturen

The ideal treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures is still controversially discussed. Because of the variable fracture patterns and the vulnerable soft tissue coverage an individual treatment concept is advisable. In order to minimize wound edge necrosis associated with extended lateral approaches, selected fractures may be treated percutaneously or in a less invasive manner while controlling joint reduction via a sinus tarsi approach. Fixation in these cases is achieved with screws, intramedullary locking nails or modified plates that are slid in subcutaneously. A thorough knowledge of the three dimensional calcaneal anatomy and open reduction maneuvers is a prerequisite for good results with less invasive techniques. Early functional follow-up treatment aims at early rehabilitation independent of the kind of fixation. Peripheral fractures of the talus and calcaneus frequently result from subluxation and dislocation at the subtalar and Chopart joints. They are still regularly overlooked and result in painful arthritis if left untreated. If an exact anatomical reduction of these intra-articular fractures is impossible, resection of small fragments is indicated.     

Calcaneal reconstruction with free fibular osteocutaneous flap

Due to the role of the calcaneus in weight bearing, soft tissue coverage along with proper reduction of the fracture is the treatment following open calcaneal injury. Intra-articular calcaneal fractures present a very difficult management problem, as the lack of soft tissue and the intricate vascularity in this area pose a risk of complications. Coverage with local and free muscle flaps following excision of infected structures is a common approach for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. However, it is unknown which type of flap is optimal for the treatment of lateral foot wounds, especially when complicated by calcaneal osteomyelitis. A patient presented with an open wound over the lateral aspect of the heel with exposed hardware and chronic osteomyelitis of the calcaneus. Following multiple debridements, an ipsilateral osteocutaneous free fibular flap was transferred to the bony defect. Weight bearing was initiated at 2 months postoperatively, and he now ambulates with a normal gait, has normal plantar sensation, and has no difficulty maneuvering stairs. The patient has done well postoperatively and has recovered full range of motion and complete mobility. In this case report, an osteocutaneous free flap provided an excellent outcome for an active patient with a very complex and complicated condition.     

Surgical techniques: how I do it? Mini open reduction and fixation of calcaneal fractures with fine wire circular frames

Patients with calcaneal fractures associated with significant soft tissue swelling or open wounds are not ideal candidates for extensive incisions and open reductions with internal fixation. Fine wire frame external fixateurs are being used for the treatment of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus with soft tissue compromise or in patients with moderately displaced fractures. In this paper, we present our surgical technique of treating displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures with circular frame external fixateurs.     

Management of open fractures in the multiple trauma patient

The management of open fractures in the multiple trauma patient is discussed. It is concluded that operative stabilization of the open fracture both enhances the survival of these patients and reduces the complications of the fracture while enhancing extremity function. This procedure must be conducted so as to avoid devascularization of more tissue and especially bone fragments and so that adequate stability is provided. In general, all open fractures are left open with the degree of openness depending upon the magnitude of the soft tissue trauma. In grade I and II open fractures, stabilization can usually be achieved by internal fixation or by a combination of minimal internal fixation (usually lag screws) and external fixation. In grade III open fractures, stabilization is usually best achieved by external fixation. However, the external fixation must be carefully designed to allow the subsequent soft tissue coverage operations which are usually required in third degree open fractures. In general, the external fixator should be viewed as a device to gain sufficient stability for patient mobilization and soft tissue management and not as definitive fracture care. For this reason, in the tibia unilateral frames are usually best and bilateral or trilateral frames should be reserved for segmental defects and severe zonal comminution. Definitive fracture care is then administered after soft tissue healing by cast or internal fixation.     

Management of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with pull-through abductor hallucis muscle flap -a report of three cases

Three patients who had chronic osteomyelitis of the calcaneus were treated with radical debridement of all involved soft tissue and bone and obliteration of dead space with a pull-through abductor hallucis brevis muscle flap. Two patients had calcaneal osteomyelitis without soft tissue loss resulting from previous comminuted calcaneal fractures while a third patient had a large soft tissue defect and calcaneal osteomyelitis resulting from a destructive infection. All of the patients had undergone several surgical procedures for treatment of the osteomyelitis with histories ranging 18 months to 30 months. Following treatment with the pull-through muscle flap there has been no recurrence over the longterm (>two years). We believe that radical removal of all contaminated tissue and immediately coverage with a muscle flap provides an effective single stage treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.     

Radial forearm free flap for coverage of postoperative lateral heel wounds after open reduction and internal fixation of the calcaneus

For intraarticular calcaneus fractures, open reduction and internal fixation has become commonplace for the reduction of morbidity of postinjury arthritis. Despite adequate surgical results, there are often associated postoperative wound complications. The purpose of this study was to describe a unique application of the radial forearm free flap for coverage of lateral postoperative heel defects seen after calcaneal fixation. Seven lateral heel wounds after open reduction of calcaneal fractures in 6 patients were covered with radial forearm free flaps. The technique used involved passage of the pedicle of the laterally placed flap anteriorly to the Achilles tendon so that it can be anastomosed to the posterior tibial artery. Flap application was 100% successful, with good functional and cosmetic results in all patients. The radial forearm free flap provides a quick, reliable, and easily harvested source of coverage for lateral heel wounds seen after open reduction and internal fixation of the calcaneus. Tunneling of the flap pedicle anterior to the Achilles tendon is simple and provides the additional advantages of access to reliable vessels, reduced scarring, and avoidance of further wound problems often seen with incisions used to access the anterior tibial artery.     

Chirurgisches Vorgehen bei offenen Kalkaneusfrakturen

Background

Open calcaneal fractures represent a group of rare injuries which should be treated by an interdisciplinary experienced team of surgeons. The degree of soft tissue damage determines the surgical therapy of the fracture.

Classification

Calcaneal fractures are classified according to the internationally recognized system proposed by Sanders, while the accompanying soft tissue damage is classified according to Gustilo and Anderson.

Therapy

Emergency treatment includes wound debridement and immobilization with an external fixator. Until the soft tissue situation is under control, further revision procedures might be necessary. Internal definitive osteosynthesis should be carried out up to 3 weeks after trauma, when wound closure can be accomplished simultaneously or carried out within a further 48 h of the operation. In some cases flap coverage might be required. Whenever internal fixation is not possible, external fixation should aim at a reduction according to the length, axis and rotation of the calcaneus. External fixation should be maintained as a hinged fixator to allow passive and active motion in the ankle and the subtalar joint.     

Minimally-invasive treatment of calcaneal fractures

Percutaneous reduction methods play an important role in the management of calcaneal fractures with severe soft tissue compromise, particularly open fractures, and they offer a treatment alternative in patients with local or systemic contraindication to open reduction. Percutaneous reduction by pin leverage (Westhues or Essex-Lopresti maneuver) followed by minimally invasive screw fixation is a treatment option that yields good to excellent results in tongue-type fractures with posterior facet displacement as a whole (Sanders-type IIC). This method can be applied to selected Sanders-type IIA or IIB fractures if the quality of joint reduction is controlled arthroscopically. Although some authors have expanded the use of percutaneous reduction by traction, leverage, and compression with subsequent K-wire or screw fixation with remarkable results, the uniform application of percutaneous methods to all intra-articular calcaneus fractures is critical. Inadequate joint reduction and redislocation of the fragments in highly unstable fractures may occur in a considerable percentage of cases. Prolonged transfixation of the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints is strongly discouraged, because functional aftertreatment is an important part of the rehabilitation after calcaneal fractures.     

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.     

Managing the open calcaneal fracture: A systematic review

IntroductionOpen fractures of the calcaneus are rare. They are mostly caused by high-energy trauma. There are several treatment options for calcaneal fractures. However, treatment of open calcaneal fractures might need a different approach, as open calcaneal fractures are associated with high rates of complications. The purpose of this study was to provide a literature overview on the management of open calcaneal fractures, and deduct a more standardized treatment algorithm.Material and methodsA literature review was conducted in the databases of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for articles describing the management of open calcaneal fractures. Excluded were studies with less than 10 patients, studies describing combat injuries and reviews. Only articles published from 1998 to 2017 were included and there were no language restrictions.ResultsA total of 18 articles were included with 616 open calcaneal fractures in 598 patients. Most wounds were Gustilo grade III and most fractures were Sanders type III. Definitive surgery was performed after a mean of 9.8 days and in most cases in the form of ORIF via ELA. The complication rate was 21% and the mean AOFAS score was 73.7 points.ConclusionThe complication rates of open calcaneal fractures are high and increase with the severity of the wound. A treatment algorithm is suggested. However, to produce a more evidence-based protocol and achieve consensus for treatment, additional research should be done, preferably in the form of a prospective multicenter database.     

Early Soft Tissue Coverage after Complex Foot Trauma

Complex foot injuries require early and durable soft tissue coverage to reduce infection rates and fibrosis, thereby improving the functional outcome. Definitive wound closure with tissue transfer was achieved as an emergency procedure within 24 hours in 2 of 28 cases, as urgent revision within 72 hours in 9 of 28 cases, and as early revision within 120 hours in 15 of 28 patients. To evaluate the global foot function the Maryland Foot Score was applied to 17 of 28 patients at the 1-year follow-up. The mean score was 74.2 (of 100) points, indicating “good” to “sufficient” foot function. The outcome was superior compared with a series of 18 consecutive open calcaneus fractures with delayed soft tissue coverage (64.4 points). These results were confirmed with a modified Merle d'Aubigné Score. The overall infection rate could be lowered to 7.1% after complex foot injuries with early soft tissue coverage compared to 26 open calcaneus fractures (19.2%). Functional scores allow a reasonable overall assessment of the results, but they are centered on subjective criteria. Thus they must be viewed in conjunction with radiologic and biometric factors as well as criteria valuable for plastic reconstruction, such as two-point discrimination and durability. Unfortunately, emergency flap procedures are still rare in foot surgery, although they permit primary stable osteosynthesis even with complex foot trauma. The foot should gain the same functional rank as the hand with respect to acute or emergency flap procedures to avoid further complications.     

Freier Paraskapular-/Skapularlappen bei frakturbegleitendem Weichteildefekt an Talus oder Kalkaneus

BASIS: Fractures of the talus or calcaneus with accompanying soft tissue damage require precisely planned treatment to prevent infection of the wound over time, especially in severely injured patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients with fractures of the talus or calcaneus and accompanying 2nd and 3rd degree open or 3rd degree closed soft tissue injuries were followed up retrospectively. These patients were operated on between January 1999 and January 2006 with free fasciocutaneous scapular or parascapular flaps. The average age was 34 (range 16-54). Follow-up was at 6-36 months. RESULTS: Osteosynthesis was primarily in six cases, post-primarily in one, and in four cases exterior fixation was used additively. Temporary vacuum therapy was performed for a mean of 28 days (6-42). Parascapular, scapular, and Latissimus dorsi flap coverage was performed six, one, and one times, respectively. Six flaps healed without complication. One necrosis of a parascapular flap occurred and made a Latissimus dorsi flap necessary. In one case of donor-site wound dehiscense, a local rotation flap became necessary. There was no joint infection or osteomyelitis. Bony consolidation was achieved within all fractures. CONCLUSION: Traumatic soft tissue damage must be taken into account when primary or secondary internal fixation is performed and should influence the choice of implant. Free fasciocutaneous parascapular or scapular flaps are a powerful tool for preventing infection if local flaps are not sufficient to achieve stable soft tissue coverage.     

Infected open calcaneal fractures – A delayed reconstruction technique using calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite antibiotic elucidating void filler

Treating open calcaneal fractures remains challenging, particularly when involving bone loss and infection.CaseWe present the case of a 25-year-old woman who sustained an open AO 83-C2 calcaneal fracture with subsequent necrosis and presumed infection. Superseding necrosis and bone loss complicated the plan for definitive fixation. Residual bone was stabilised with Kirshner-wires and the void filled with a calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, facilitating delayed surgical reconstruction.ConclusionUsing calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, as part of a 2-stage process represents a strategy in the treatment of complex calcaneal fractures with possible infection, and bone and soft tissue loss.Level of clinical evidence4.     

Combined pedicled flaps for grade IIIB tibial fractures in children: a report of two patients

Severe open tibial fractures in children are associated with notable morbidity and require early aggressive management to ensure a successful outcome. Free flaps are currently the gold standard in distal extremity reconstruction in which large soft-tissue defects exist, as is often the case with grade IIIB fractures. In severe lower limb trauma, however, free flaps are associated with a relatively high risk of failure, particularly when definitive soft-tissue coverage is delayed. Alternative methods of soft-tissue reconstruction may, therefore, occasionally require consideration. The authors describe the combined use of three pedicled flaps to attain soft-tissue coverage in 2 children with grade IIIB tibial fractures. These three flaps are individually in common use for lower limb soft-tissue coverage, are simple to raise, and in combination can cover extensive soft-tissue defects of the lower extremity. The major vascular axes of the limb are not sacrificed; however, the aesthetic result is modest.     

Complications and timing of soft tissue coverage after complete articular,open tibial plateau fractures

PurposeComplete articular tibial plateau fractures are typically high-energy injuries associated with significant soft tissue trauma. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of wound complications and need for soft tissue coverage after open, complete articular tibial plateau fractures. The secondary aim was to study the effect of timing of fixation and timing of flap coverage on deep infection rates in these injuries.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients > 18 years undergoing ORIF of a Bicondylar Tibial Plateau (BTP) fracture between 2001 and 2018. Surgical data were recorded for open fractures including number of debridements, timing of definitive ORIF and soft tissue coverage relative to injury. Primary outcomes included rates of deep infection and unplanned reoperation.Results508 AO/OTA 41C BTP fractures were identified, with 51 open fractures included in 50 patients with a mean (SD) age 45.7 (12.3) years and a mean (SD) follow up of 4.3 (3.8) years. There were 20 cases of deep infection, unplanned reoperation occurred in 26 cases. The majority of cases (28 fractures) had initial external fixation placed, while 24 had ORIF at the initial debridement. Twelve patients had a planned flap for definitive closure on average of 6.4 days (SD 3.9) after injury, 14 required a flap for wound complications. Among patients with IIB and C injuries, rates of deep infection (5/6 vs 1/6, p = 0.02) and reoperation (5/7 vs 2/6, p = 0.08) were higher in patients treated with flap coverage >7 days from injury compared to early flap coverage. There were no differences in complication rates between early (<24hrs) and delayed fixation.ConclusionsComplete articular, open tibial plateau fractures are associated with high rates of complications. Time to flap coverage of seven days or more was a significant predictor of deep infection and unplanned reoperation in this cohort. Patients should be counseled about the high rate of unplanned reoperation and definitive soft tissue coverage should be accomplished within a week of injury whenever possible.     

Case Report: Late Reconstruction of the Land Mine–Injured Heel With an Osteomyocutaneous Composite Fibular Flap

The heel comprises the epidermis, minimal subcutaneous tissue, a dense septum, and the calcaneus. Injury to any of these structures can impair the ability to walk. The soft tissue or calcaneal bone can be injured by trauma. Injuries incurred in war are usually high-energy traumas caused by weapons such as rifles, rockets, and land mines. Such injuries can be life threatening and involve the loss of tissue, including skin, soft tissue, bone, and neurovascular tissue. Two main treatment protocols are used for such injuries with large tissue defects: amputation and reconstruction. We describe a reconstruction with an osteomyocutaneous fibular flap for a heel injury. At the 2-year follow-up point, the patient had 30% loss of ankle range of motion. The visual analog scale score had dramatically decreased from 8 to 1, and the patient was satisfied with the result. In conclusion, patients with significant problems such as infection, pain, and anatomic deterioration of the calcaneus can be successfully treated using an osteomyocutaneous fibular flap in a single surgery.     

Wound healing complications in closed and open calcaneal fractures

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of serious infection in closed and open calcaneal fractures that were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via an extensile lateral approach. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Two groups of patients with calcaneal fractures treated with ORIF via an extensile lateral approach by the senior author are included. The first group contained 341 closed fractures in patients injured during the period 1994-2000. The second group included 39 open calcaneal fractures in patients injured during the period 1989-2000. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The age, sex, pre-existing medical conditions, compliance history, mechanism of injury, soft tissue status, presence of serious infection, and treatment of the infection were recorded for each patient. Data were gathered by review of patient records and by telephone interview when medical records were incomplete. The rate of serious infection in the closed and open samples was determined. A literature review yielded 15 reports that contained sufficient detail to calculate the rate of serious infection. RESULTS: Of patients, 1.8% with closed fractures and 7.7% with open fractures experienced serious infections that required intervention beyond oral antibiotics. All of these feet eventually healed their incisions and fractures. The calculations from data obtained from the literature review indicate rates of serious infection of 0-20% for closed and 19-31% for open calcaneal fractures. CONCLUSIONS: When done correctly in compliant patients, ORIF for calcaneal fractures via the extensile lateral approach (which allows for restoration of calcaneal anatomy after substantial disruption) does not expose the patient to undue risk of serious infection.