Objective To summarize the preliminary effectiveness of I.T.S. locking plate for intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Methods Between July 2010 and July 2011, 18 cases of intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated. There were 10 males and 8 females with an average age of 46 years (range, 25-64 years). According to Sanders classification system, there were 3 cases of type II, 9 cases of type III, and 6 cases of type IV. The disease duration was 5-11 days (mean, 6 days). Open reduction and internal fixation with I.T.S. locking plate were performed via an L-shaped lateral extending incision. Results Superficial infection occurred in 1 case, and was cured after dressing changing; healing of incision by first intention was obtained in the other cases. Sixteen cases were followed up 14 months on average (range, 12-18 months). X-ray films demonstrated the bone union in all cases with an average union time of 12 weeks (range, 10-14 weeks). No implant failure or irritation of peroneal tendon occurred during follow-up. X-ray films showed subtalar post-traumatic arthritis with mild pain in 1 case at 11 months after operation, which was relieved by conservative treatment. At last follow-up, the Bouml;hler angle was improved from (12.9 ± 3.2)° preoperatively to (33.8 ± 4.0)° postoperatively, showing significant difference (t=22.78, P=0.00); the Gissane angle was improved from (83.6 ± 6.4)° preoperatively to (119.9 ± 8.5)° postoperatively, showing significant difference (t=17.02, P=0.00). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 1.3 ± 1.2, and the ankle and hindfoot scale of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) was 80.3 ± 7.9 at last follow-up. Conclusion Treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fracture with I.T.S. locking plate can obtain a stable fixation, which is a safe and effective method.
Objective To introduce a clinical treatment for the reconstructionof calcaneal thalamus by bone autograft and subtalar arthrodesis for antiquatedintraarticular calcaneal fractures. Methods From July 2000 to October 2003, 11 cases with antiquated intraarticular calcaneal fractures were treated. Of the 11 cases, 9 were males and 2 females,whose ages ranged from21 to 48 years. All unilateral calcanei were involved in the 11 cases. The modified extended Lshaped approach lateral to calcaneus was adopted. The primary treatment was manipulation and immobilization with the reconstruction of calcaneal thalamus by bone autograft and subtalar arthrodesis. The average volume of the ilium for the autograft was 3.0 cm×2.5 cm×1.8 cm. Protruded osteophyte from the lateral wall of calcaneus were ablated in all 11 cases. Results All the 11 cases were followed up for 3 to 18 months, 11.5 monthson average. The reconstructed calcaneal thalamus was healed 10 to 12 weeks after the operation. Some of the patients could walk with load 8 weeks after the operation, and the average time for all the patients to walk with load was 13.2 weeks. There were 4 cases of excellent result, 5 cases of good result, and 2 cases of fair result, according to ZHANG Tieliang’s foot score system. Plain radiograph showed that Bohler angle, width of calcaneus and height of calcaneal thalamus were nearlyrestored to normal. Conclusion With the improvement of calcaneal abnormality and restoration of the shape and function of hind foot, reconstruction of calcaneal thalamus by bone autograft combined with subtalar arthrodesis is effective in treating antiquated intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
Objective To compare the effects of operative versus nonoperative treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Methods All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of operative versus nonoperative treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures were identified. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. Results Four published trials involving 530 patients were included. All studies compared operative with nonoperative treatment. It was clear that operative treatment was superior to nonoperative treatment in terms of helping patients back to work, reducing problems wearing shoes, expanding the range of motion of subtalar joint, and improving the recovery of Bohler’s angle. As for foot pain, there was no difference between the two methods. Because the outcome measures varied across the trials, a meta-analysis could not be performed. Conclusions Both operative and nonoperative treatments produce comparable long-term outcomes in the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Because of the poor reporting of outcomes, it is not possible to determine if there is any significant difference in outcome measures apart from those listed above. More trials with high methodological quality are needed.