[Solid body augmentation for comminuted calcaneal fractures : development and biomechanical testing of a hybrid osteosynthesis technique].

BACKGROUND: Comminuted calcaneal fractures are a consequence of high impact trauma to the foot. Stable fixation and anatomically correct repositioning of the joint surfaces are often a problem. To improve fracture treatment, surgical techniques in combination with new augmentation materials have been tested.
METHODS: This study presents a new concept of osteosynthesis of complex calcaneal fractures in combination with an alternative augmentation technique. Solid body augmentation was developed and mechanically tested against standard techniques. The solid body was used for augmentation of a central fracture void in combination with conventional plating.
RESULTS: The results show a statistically significant higher stability of the new hybrid osteosynthesis concept against conventional plating techniques under in-vitro conditions.
CONCLUSIONS: This work investigated a new concept of internal support of multifragmentary calcaneal fractures. Augmentation of defect voids in the calcaneus with a mechanically stable solid body implant in combination with stable screw anchorage in this implant leads to a higher stability compared to plate-fixation and augmentation with cancellous bone under in-vitro conditions.