Roberto Buzzi1, Niccolò Sermi1, Felicia Soviero2, Stefano Bianco1, Domenico A Campanacci3. 1. Department of Traumatology and General Orthopedics, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Largo P. Palagi 1, 50134, Firenze, Italy. 2. CESAT, P. Lavagnini, Fucecchio, Firenze, Italy. 3. Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Largo P. Palagi 1, 50134 Firenze, Italy. Electronic address: domenico.campanacci@unifi.it.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) represent a challenging and controversial issue in traumatology. Conservative treatment has been recommended to avoid surgical problems and complications. The final result, however, is often a painful malunioun of the calcaneus with peroneal impingement. Surgical treatment is gaining acceptance since it offers a chance to restore bone anatomy improving function as long as complications are avoided. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed a series of 59 DIACF treated by a single surgeon during a 9 years period. A clinical and radiological follow-up was obtained in 44 cases (74,6%) (average of 5,5 years; range 2-9). There were 29 males and 15 females with an average age of 54 years (range 25-74). Patients were operated through an extended l-shaped lateral approach and fixation was achieved with lag screws and plate. Outcome measures method included the AOFAS score, the Maryland Foot Score, the Foot Function Index and the SF-36. RESULTS: The average AOFAS score was 80,5 points. The result was excellent in 18 cases (40,9%), good in 14 cases (31,8%), fair in 10 cases (22,7%) and poor in 2 (4,6%). The mean score for pain was 33,5/40 points, for function 40/50 and for alignment 7/10. Pain was absent in 17 cases (38%), 19 patients (43%) had no functional limitations and 11 (25%) could walk on uneven ground without difficulties. The average FFI score was 25/100 points. The average MFS score was 89/100 points. Subtalar motion was reduced. Reconstruction of the calcaneus was anatomic in 20 cases (45,5%) with an improved clinical outcome. Eight patients (17%) had minor wound healing complications. Three patients (6,8%) required a subtalar arthrodesis after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Ostheosytesis through an extended lateral approach restored bone morphology with a reasonable complications rate. The clinical results were good but a normal function and complete subtalar motion were rarely achieved.
INTRODUCTION: Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) represent a challenging and controversial issue in traumatology. Conservative treatment has been recommended to avoid surgical problems and complications. The final result, however, is often a painful malunioun of the calcaneus with peroneal impingement. Surgical treatment is gaining acceptance since it offers a chance to restore bone anatomy improving function as long as complications are avoided. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed a series of 59 DIACF treated by a single surgeon during a 9 years period. A clinical and radiological follow-up was obtained in 44 cases (74,6%) (average of 5,5 years; range 2-9). There were 29 males and 15 females with an average age of 54 years (range 25-74). Patients were operated through an extended l-shaped lateral approach and fixation was achieved with lag screws and plate. Outcome measures method included the AOFAS score, the Maryland Foot Score, the Foot Function Index and the SF-36. RESULTS: The average AOFAS score was 80,5 points. The result was excellent in 18 cases (40,9%), good in 14 cases (31,8%), fair in 10 cases (22,7%) and poor in 2 (4,6%). The mean score for pain was 33,5/40 points, for function 40/50 and for alignment 7/10. Pain was absent in 17 cases (38%), 19 patients (43%) had no functional limitations and 11 (25%) could walk on uneven ground without difficulties. The average FFI score was 25/100 points. The average MFS score was 89/100 points. Subtalar motion was reduced. Reconstruction of the calcaneus was anatomic in 20 cases (45,5%) with an improved clinical outcome. Eight patients (17%) had minor wound healing complications. Three patients (6,8%) required a subtalar arthrodesis after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Ostheosytesis through an extended lateral approach restored bone morphology with a reasonable complications rate. The clinical results were good but a normal function and complete subtalar motion were rarely achieved.