Objective To probe into the effectiveness of vertical compression of locking plate combined with hollow screws in the treatment of Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures. MethodsThe clinical data of 128 patients with Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures who were admitted between March 2019 and April 2022 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 65 patients were treated with locking plate combined with hollow screw vertical compression (study group), and 63 patients were treated with simple locking plate (control group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05), such as gender, age, fracture side and Sanders classification, cause of injury, time from injury to operation. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared between the two groups. Before operation and at 12 months after operation, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score (including total score, pain score, functional score, and alignment score) was used to evaluate the recovery of foot function, and imaging indicators such as calcaneal width, calcaneal height, calcaneal length, Böhler angle, and Gissane angle were measured on X-ray films. ResultsAll patients were followed up 12 months after operation. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and fracture healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). Poor wound healing occurred in 1 case in the study group and 2 cases in the control group. At 12 months after operation, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the pre- and post-operative difference of calcaneal length, calcaneal height, Gissane angle, and Böhler angle (P>0.05). However, the pre- and post-operative difference in calcaneal width in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The pre- and post-operative difference of AOFAS total score in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and further analysis showed that the pre- and post-operative difference of pain and function scores in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the pre- and post-operative difference of force score between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared with simple locking plate treatment, the treatment of Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures with vertical compression of locking plate combined with hollow screws can more effectively improve the width of the subtalar calcaneal articular surface, avoid peroneal longus and brevis impingement, reduce pain, and increase the range of motion of the subtalar joint, and the effectiveness is better.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of modified tarsal sinus approach and traditional tarsal sinus approach in the treatment of Sanders Ⅱ-Ⅲ type calcaneal fractures.MethodsBetween January 2015 and August 2017, 53 patients with Sanders Ⅱ-Ⅲ type calcaneal fractures were selected and divided into observation group (21 cases, using modified tarsal sinus approach for fracture reduction after exposure of the subtalar joint below the long and short fibular tendon) and control group (32 cases, using traditional tarsal sinus approach) by random number method. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, side, cause of injury, fracture type, injury to operation time, and preoperative Böhler angle, Gissane angle, visual analogue scale (VAS) core (P>0.05), which were comparable. The operation time, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and postoperative angle improvement values of the two groups were recorded and compared. VAS score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) score were used to evaluate the effectiveness.ResultsAll the 53 patients successfully completed the operation without serious complications such as vascular and nerve injury and perioperative death. There was no significant difference in operation time and postoperative drainage volume between the two groups (P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 17 months). No infection, fracture displacement, failure of internal fixation, and malunion of fracture occurred after operation. None of the patients underwent secondary joint fusion. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups (t=0.30, P=0.77). The postoperative Böhler angle and Gissane angle at 2 days in the two groups were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and improvement value between the observation group and the control group at 2 days after operation (P>0.05). VAS scores at 24 hours and 1 year after operation were significantly improved when compared with that before operation in both groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups at 24 hours and 1 year after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in AOFAS scores between the two groups at 1 year after operation (t=1.46, P=0.15). However, the SF-36 scale score at 1 year after operation was significantly higher than that of the control group (t=2.08, P=0.04). At last follow-up, 2 patients in the observation group and 8 patients in the control group presented subtalar joint stiffness or pain, and there was no significant difference in the incidence between the two groups (χ2=1.98, P=0.16).ConclusionThe modified tarsal sinus approach for the treatment of Sanders Ⅱ-Ⅲ type calcaneal fractures has the advantages of minimal invasion, clear reduction under direct vision, reliable reduction and fixation, and low incision complications.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical results of arthroscopical subtalar arthrodesis for malunion of calcaneal fractures. Methods Between July 2006 and December 2008, 12 cases of malunion of calcaneal fractures were treated witharthroscopical subtalar arthrodesis, inculding 10 males and 2 females with an age range of 38-54 years (44.8 years on average). The location was left side in 5 cases and right side in 7 cases. The injury was caused by fall ing from height in 8 cases, by traffic accident in 3 cases, and other in 1 case. It was 3-7 months from injury to operation. All cases were classified as Stephens type II. The total score was 35.68 ± 10.35 and the pain score was 8.14 ± 1.83 before operation according to Hindfoot scores system of American Orthopaedic Foot amp; Ankle Society (AOFAS). Results All incisions achieved parimary heal ing and the patients were all followed up 14-32 months (18 months on average). The X-ray films showed bony fusion after 10-14 weeks (11.5 weeks on average). The total score was 76.45 ± 9.83 and the pain score was 1.52 ± 1.48 after operation according to Hindfoot scores system of AOFAS, showing significant difference when compared with those before operation (P lt; 0.01). Conclusion Arthroscopical subtalar arthrodesis can get satisfactory fusion rate with few compl ications for malunion of calcaneal fractures.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical results between percutaneous poking reduction fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for the displaced Sanders Ⅱ type calcaneal fractures. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 122 patients with Sanders Ⅱ type calcaneal fractures between May 2007 and May 2012, who accorded with the inclusion criteria. The closed reduction and percutaneus Kirschner wire fixation were used in 61 patients (closed group), and open reduction and internal fixation were used in 61 patients (open group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, fracture side, weight, height, body mass index, the causes of injury, the fracture type, Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and the time from trauma to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, wound complications, fracture healing time, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and radiographic results were compared between 2 groups. ResultsThe operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization days in closed group were significantly less than those in open group (P<0.05). There was no deep infections in both group; wound dehiscence, skin flap necrosis, and wound infection occurred in 3 patients, 2 patients, and 1 patient of the open group, no wound complication happened in closed group, and there was significant difference in the incidence of wound complications between 2 groups (P=0.027). The patients were followed up 24-68 months (mean, 38.7 months) in the closed group and 26-66 months (mean, 38.7 months) in the open group. There was no significant difference in the fracture healing time between 2 groups (t=-1.562, P=0.121). The Böhler angle and Gissane angle at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative angle in the closed group (t=-27.929, P=0.000; t=-26.351, P=0.000) and the open group (t=-32.565, P=0.000; t=-25.561, P=0.000), but there was no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). AOFAS score showed no significant difference between 2 groups (t=-0.492, P=0.624). ConclusionFor the displaced Sanders Ⅱ type calcaneal fractures, the use of closed reduction and percutaneus Kirschner wire fixation or open reduction and internal fixation can both obtain satisfactory clinical function and radiographic results, but the former has the advantage of less trauma, shorter hospitalization time, and fewer wound complications.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of minimally invasive plate and medial supporting cannulated screw fixation via tarsal sinus approach in treatment of Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures. Methods A clinical data of 46 patients with Sanders type Ⅱand Ⅲ calcaneal fractures met the selective criteria between March 2016 and March 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. The factures were fixed with minimally invasive plate and medial supporting cannulated screws via tarsal sinus approach in 20 cases (group A) and with minimally invasive plate in 26 cases (group B). There was no significant difference between groups in term of the gender, age, injury causes, fracture type and side, the time from injury to operation, and preoperative calcaneal length and width, Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and the interval between operation and full weight-bearing were recorded. The pain improvement of patients was evaluated by VAS scores before operation and at 48 hours after operation. The ankle joint function was evaluated by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at 3 and 12 months after operation. Besides, the calcaneal length and width, Böhler angle, and Gissane angle were measured by X-ray films before and after operation. Furthermore, the difference (loss value) between 3, 12 months and 1 day after operation was calculated. Moreover, the fracture healing and healing time was observed. ResultsAll operations of two groups were successfully completed. The incisions healed by first intention, and no vascular/nerve injury or incision infection occurred. The operation time of group A was significantly longer than that of group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and the interval between operation and full weight-bearing (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 14.8 months). The VAS scores at 48 hours after operation were significantly lower than those before operation in the two groups (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the difference of pre- and post-operative VAS score between groups (P>0.05). The AOFAS scores at 12 months after operation were significantly higher than those at 3 months after operation in the two groups (P<0.05); and there was no significant difference between groups at 3 and 12 months (P>0.05). X-ray films showed that the fractures of the two groups healed and there was no significant difference in healing time (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in calcaneal length and width and Gissane angle between groups at each time point (P>0.05), but there was significant difference in Böhler angle between groups at 12 months (P<0.05). The imaging indexes of the two groups significantly improved at each time point after operation when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between different time points after operation (P>0.05) in the imaging indexes of group A. There were significant differences in the calcaneal length, calcaneal width, and Gissane angle of group B between 12 months and 1 day, 3 months after operation (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between 1 day and 3 months after operation (P>0.05). The differences in Böhler angle of group B between different time points after operation were significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in the loss of all imaging indexes at 3 months after operation (P>0.05). The losses of calcaneal width, Böhler angle, and Gissane angle in group A at 12 months after operation were significantly smaller than those in group B (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the loss of calcaneus length between groups (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared with only minimally invasive plate fixation, the combination of minimally invasive plate and medial supporting cannulated screw fixation via tarsal sinus approach for Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures has the advantages of less trauma, less incision complications, reliable fracture reduction and fixation, and good long-term stability.
Objective To explore the method and effectiveness of lateral calcaneal U-shaped incision approach to treat calcaneal fractures involving the talocalcaneal and calcaneocuboid joints. Methods Between January 2009 and March 2011, 36 cases of calcaneal fractures involving the talocalcaneal and calcaneocuboid joints were treated by the lateral calcaneal U-shaped incision approach and calcaneal anatomical plate fixation. There were 27 males and 9 females with an average age of 38.7 years (range, 19-58 years). According to the Sanders classification criteria, there were 12 cases of type II, 20 cases of type III, and 4 cases of type IV. The Bouml;hler and Gissane angles were (6.21 ± 10.48)° and (89.85 ± 12.34)°, respectively. The average time from injury to surgery was 4.2 days (range, 2-14 days). Results Superficial skin flap necrosis and wound exudate occurred in 1 case respectively, which were cured after dressing change; primary healing was obtained in the other cases. All the cases were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 15.2 months). The X-ray films showed that all fractures healed with an average healing time of 10.6 weeks (range, 8-12 weeks). The reduction of articular surface was satisfactory, and the heel height returned to normal. No complication of breakage of internal fixation or traumatic arthritis occurred. The Bouml;hler and Gissane angles were (29.64 ± 5.33)° and (121.75 ± 6.65)°, respectively at 3 months after operation, showing significant differences when compared with the preoperative values (t=43.800, P=0.000; t=33.200, P=0.000). The average time of plate removal was 11.2 months (range, 9-20 months). According to Maryland foot score, the results were excellent in 17 cases, good in 15 cases, and fair in 4 cases; the excellent and good rate was 88.9%. Conclusion The lateral calcaneal U-shaped incision approach is an effective method to treat calcaneal fractures involving the talocalcaneal and calcaneocuboid joints, which can expose the fracture fully, restore the anatomy of the calcaneal bone, and do early exercise under the condition of rigid internal fixation.
To investigate the therapeutic effect of open reduction, bone grafting, and internal fixation with plastic ti-alloy plate on intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Methods From January 2005 to December 2007, 32 patients (37 feet) with intra-articular calcaneal fracture underwent open reduction, bone grafting of autogeneic il ium (30-80 g) and internal fixation of plastic ti-alloy plate. There were 21 males and 11 females aged 18-56 years old (average 42.1 years old). There were 5 cases of bilateral calcaneal fracture and 27 cases of unilateral calcaneal fracture, including 2 cases of open fracture and 30 cases of close fracture. According to Sanders classification system, there were 11 cases of type II, 18 cases of type III and 8 cases of type IV. Preoperatively, Bouml;hler angle was (— 9.6 ± 4.2)° and Gissane angle was (101.4 ± 10.6)°. Nine feet underwent emergency operation and 28 feet received operation 5-7 days after injury. Results The wounds of 34 feet healed by first intention. The wound margin of 3 feet was gray with a small amount of colorless exudates, and healed after dressing change. All patients were followed for 12-24 months (average 16 months). X-ray films displayed that the fracture all healed within 3-4 months after operation. At 6 months after operation, the Bouml;hler angle and the Gissane angle was (28.5 ± 6.1)° and (128.9 ± 4.8)°, respectively, indicating there were significant differences when compared with before operation (P lt; 0.05). According to Maryland foot score system, 15 cases were graded as excellent, 18 cases were good, 4 cases were poor, and the excellent and good rate was 89.19%. Conclusion Open reduction, bone grafting, and internal fixation with plastic ti-alloy plate is an effective method to treat intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Choosing right operational timing, performing subarticular surface grafting when necessary and using appropriate plastic ti-alloy plate internal fixation can minimize the incidence of postoperative compl ications
Objective To analyze the non-operation related risk factors of the wound complications by using lateral extensive L-shaped incision for open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneal fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 58 patients with closed calcaneal fractures (63 calcaneus) treated by using lateral intensive L-shaped incision for open reduction and internal fixation between September 2006 and August 2011. There were 52 males (56 calcaneus) and 6 females (7 calcaneus), aged 18 to 64 years (mean, 35 years). The causes of injury included fall injury in 53 cases (58 calcaneus), traffic injury in 5 cases (5 calcaneus). The mean time between injury and operation was 8 days (range, 3-22 days). According to Sanders classification, 4 calcaneus were rated as type II, 31 calcaneus as type III, and 28 calcaneus as type IV. Postoperative complications were observed and graded; 58 patients were divided into complication group (≥grade 2) and control group (lt; grade 2). The univariate analysis was used to analyze 18 factors which may lead to wound complications; multi-factor unconditioned logistic regression analysis was done for the factors showing significant difference. Results According to postoperative wound complications grading, 41 patients (46 calcaneus) were included in the control group, whose incision healed primarily, and 17 patients (17 calcaneus) in the complication group. In 17 patients of the complication group, 14 had skin necrosis or dehiscence, and 3 had superficial infection; they obtained healing after symptomatic treatment. The univariate analysis showed significant differences in combined spinal fracture, diabetes mellitus, and long-term smoking between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed that combined spinal fracture was an independent risk factor for wound complications (95% confidence interval: 0.004-0.360, P=0.004). Conclusion Combined spinal fracture is an independent risk factor for wound complications after open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneal fracture using lateral extensive L-shaped incision.
Objective To evaluate the clinical results of subtalar arthrodesis and calcaneal thalamus reconstruction for malunion of calcaneal fractures and to discuss the indications and its advantages of the management. Methods From December 1994 to January 2006, 84 cases(96 feet) of malunion of calcaneal fractures were treated with subtalar arthrodesis and calcaneal thalamus reconstruction. The L-shaped approach lateral to calcaneus was used. The bone autograft was harvested from iliac crest. Fiftyone cases were male and 33 cases were female, aging from 21 to 58 years (mean 385 years).One side was in volved in 72 cases and two sides in 12 cases. The injury was caused by falling from height in 57 cases, by traffic accident in 22 cases and other in 5 cases. It was 6-31 months from injury to operation (mean 9.5 months). Results Among the patients, all cases were followed up 1 to 132 months. The total excellent and good rate was 87.5%, including excellent in 31 feet, good in 53 feet and fair in 12 feet,according to Hindfoot scores system (American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society). The B[AKo¨]hler’s and Gissane’s angles, the height of calcaneal thalamus and width of calcaneus were significant different from those of preoperation (Plt;0.01). Conclusion The treatment by bone autograft combined with subtalar arthrodesis and calcaneal thalamus reconstruction is an effective operation for malunion of calcaneal fractures, with advantages of correcting deformity, restoring the function of indfoot and relieving the pain of walking.
Objective To evaluate the results of arthroscopically-assisted closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation by posterior approach to subtalar joint for calcaneal fractures of Essex-Lopresti tongue type, Sanders IIA, IIB, and IIIAB. Methods Sixteen patients with unilateral calcaneal fracture were treated with arthroscopically-assisted closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation by posterior approach to subtalar joint between June 2012 and June 2015. There were 13 males and 3 females with an average age of 37.8 years (range, 18-65 years). The injury causes included falling from height in 10 cases and traffic accident in 6 cases. Of 16 cases, 4 were classified as Essex-Lopresti tongue type, 5 as Sanders IIA, 4 as Sanders IIB, and 3 as Sanders IIIAB. The interval of injury and operation was 4-8 days (mean, 5.94 days). The Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and width of calcaneus were measured before and after operation. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was used to evaluate the ankle function at 12 months after operation. Results Primary healing of incision was obtained in all cases, and no complications of infection, necrosis, and osseous fascia compartment syndrome occurred. The patients were followed up 12-15 months (mean, 13.63 months). The X-ray films showed that fracture line disappeared at 6 months after operation; the patients had no tenderness or percussion pain, no breakage or loosening of internal fixation, no varus calcaneus tuberosity, no subtalar joint fusion, and no compression symptoms of peroneal tendons. Achilles tendon irritation occurred in 2 cases, and disappeared after removal of internal fixation; traumatic arthritis occurred in 2 cases, and was relieved after removal of internal fixation. The Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and calcaneal width were significantly improved at 3 days and 6 months after operation when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). The loss of the above indexes was observed at 6 months, showing no significant difference between at 3 days and 6 months (P>0.05). The AOFAS score results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 87.5%. Conclusion It has the advantages of little trauma, less complication, and good function recovery to use arthroscopically-assited closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation by posterior approach to subtalar joint for calcaneal fractures of Essex-Lopresti tongue type, Sanders IIA, Sanders IIB, and Sanders IIIAB.