Objective To explore the effectiveness of conservative dressing change method in treating skin necrosis after open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) of calcaneal fracture. Methods Between November 2007 and June 2010, 21 cases of skin necrosis after ORIF of calcaneal fracture were treated, including 18 cases of Sanders type II and 3 cases ofSanders type III. There were 20 males and 1 female with an average age of 33.1 years (range, 23-60 years). All fractures were close fractures and were treated by ORIF with plate. Skin necrosis occurred at 3-5 days (mean, 4 days) after internal fixation. The interval of internal fixation and conservative dressing change was 3-10 days (mean, 6 days). Of 21 cases, 10 cases had superfacial skin necrosis with a size range of 1-10 cm in length and 0.5-1.5 cm in width, and 11 cases had deep skin necrosis with a size range of 1-8 cm in length and 0.5-1.5 cm in width. The conservative dressing change method was performed. Alcohol (75%) was used at the edge of the zone of skin necrosis, whereas sal ine in the central of the wound every 2-3 days. The necrosed tissue in the wound was reserved as more as possible. No patient was given antibiotic. Results Scab formed and subcrust heal ing was observed after 6-30 days (mean, 16 days) in 20 patients, 1 patient failed for discontinue treatment. No case had deep infection or osteomyl itis. The mean treatment time was 7.8 days (range, 6-14 days) in 10 cases of superfacial skin necrosis, and was 23.1 days (range, 14-30 days) in 10 cases of deep skin necrosis. All cases were followed up 92 days on average (range, 54-123 days). The scar was usually dark red and hard, protruding from the normal skin. No patient had difficulty in weight bearing or walking. Conclusion Skin necrosis after ORIF of calcaneal fracture can be cured by the conservative dressing change method, and this conservative method is effective and economic.
Objective To precisely treat compl icated calcaneal fracture by 3D simulation through computer aid designed operation. Methods From November 2007 to March 2008, 38 patients of calcaneal fracture were treated. There were 29 males and 9 females aged 14-69 years old (average 29.8 years old). According to Sanders classification, there were 4 patients oftype I, 14 of type II, 12 of type III, and 8 of type IV. The time between injury and surgery was 3 hours to 5 days. The CT images of calcaneal fracture of 38 patients were put into computer for 3D reconstruction, then the Bouml;hler angles were measured and bone grafting angles were designed. According to the angle surveyed by the computer, the individual-oriented operation program was made, and then the operation was done under C-arm X-ray machine. Results The preoperative Bouml;hler angel was (34.58 ± 4.38)° in the normal side and (8.33 ± 12.62)° in the injured side, indicating there was significant difference (P lt; 0.05). During the process of the poking reduction by 3D simulation, when the bone rotating angle was (28.84 ± 6.51)°, the Bouml;hler angel was restored to (32.86 ± 1.72)°, indicating there was no significant difference when compared with the normal side before operation (P gt; 0.05), and significant difference compared with the injured side before operation (P lt; 0.05). Twenty-eight patients were followed up for 12-22 months (average 18 months). The Bouml;hler angel was restored to (32.41 ± 1.42)° 1 year after operation. According to the foot function scoring system made by American Ankle Surgery Association, 16 cases were graded as excellent, 10 as good, 1 as fair, 1 as poor, and the excellent and good rate was 92.9%. Conclusion Computer aid designed operation of compl icated calcaneal fracture by 3D simulation technique can restore the Bouml;hler angel and subtalar joint precisely. It is aneffective supplementary treatment method for calcaneal fracture.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical outcomes of 3D-printing assisting minimally invasive fixation of calcaneal fractures. MethodsThe study included 12 patients who were diagnosed with calcaneal fractures between October 2014 and May 2015. Using a real-size 3D-printed calcaneus model, the calcaneal locking plate could be preshaped before the operation and used with a minimally invasive approach to achieve rigid plate fixation just as with the lateral approach. Complications and surgery time were recorded and functional results were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot Society ankle-metapedes score (AOFAS). The reduction of fracture was evaluated using the Bohler angle and Gissane angle. ResultsThere was no relevant postoperative complications. All fractures got bone union. The mean postoperative Bohler angle was (29.4±6.1) ° and the mean postoperative Gissane angle was (121.4±12.6) °. The difference in Bohler angle and calcaneal Gissane angle before and after the surgery was significant (P ＜ 0.01) . The mean postoperative AOFAS score was 75.2±5.4, and the fine/excellent rate was 83.3%. ConclusionWe believe this novel technique can be useful for the operative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
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.
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.
ObjectiveTo investigate the anatomical characters of the sustentaculum tali (ST), accurate entry point and direction for the placement of ST screw from posterior subtalar joint facet to the constant fragment (CF) in calcaneal fractures.MethodsA total of 100 patients with calcaneal fractures performed ankle CT scans were enrolled between January 2016 and April 2016. According to the inclusion criteria, the clinical data of 33 patients were analyzed, including 18 males and 15 females, with a median age of 41.0 years (range, 18-60 years). There were 16 cases on left side and 17 cases on the right side. Three-dimensional (3D) calcaneal model was reconstructed by Mimics 17.0 software, and the ST anatomical references were measured, including the length of upper and lower edge, the length and height of the midline, the horizontal angle between the midline and foot plantar surface. The parameters of the optimal entry point position (P’ point) and placement angle of the ST screw were determined. The length of ST screw was also measured. The differences between males and females or left and right sides were compared.ResultsThe length of upper edge of the ST was (16.60±2.23) mm, lower edge (20.65±2.90) mm, midline (20.56±2.62) mm, and the height of midline was (9.61±1.36) mm. The horizontal angle between the midline and foot plantar surface was (23.43±3.36)°. The vertical distance from P’ point to the lowest point of the tarsal sinus was (3.09±1.65) mm, while the horizontal distance was (14.29±2.75) mm. The distance from P’ point to the apex of the lateral talus, subchondral bone of subtalar joint, calcaneocuboid joint was (11.41±3.22), (6.59±2.22), (34.58±3.75) mm, respectively. The horizontal angle between the ST screw and foot plantar surface was (–1.17±2.07)°. The anteversion angle of ST screw was (16.18±2.05)° and the length was (41.64 ± 3.09) mm. There were significant differences in the length of upper and lower edge, the length and height of the midline, the distance from P’ point to the apex of the lateral talus, subchondral bone of subtalar joint, and calcaneocuboid joint, and the anteversion angle and length of the ST screw between males and females (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in above all parameters between left and right sides (P>0.05).ConclusionAfter appropriate reduction of the calcaneal fractures, the entry point of ST screw was recommended at about 14 mm posterior and about 3 mm upper related to the foot horizontal line through the lowest tarsal sinus point; and the direction of ST screw placement was about 17° anteversion for males and 15° anteversion for females.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of calcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis in the treatment of Stephens Ⅱand Ⅲ calcaneal fracture malunion. MethodsThe clinical data of 24 patients with severe calcaneal fracture malunion treated by calcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis between January 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 males and 4 females with an average age of 42.8 years (range, 33-60 years). Conservative treatment of calcaneal fracture failed in 19 cases and operation failed in 5 cases. Stephens classification of calcaneal fracture malunion was type Ⅱ in 14 cases, and type Ⅲ in 10 cases. Preoperative Böhler angle of calcaneus was 4.0°-13.5° (mean, 8.6°), Gissane angle was 100°-152° (mean, 119.3°). The time from injury to operation was 6-14 months (mean, 9.7 months). American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were used to evaluate the effectiveness before operation and at last follow-up. Bone healing was observed and the healing time was recorded. The talocalcaneal height, talus inclination angle, Pitch angle, calcaneal width, and hindfoot alignment angle were measured. Results Necrosis of the cuticle edge of the incision occurred in 3 cases, which were cured by dressing change and oral administration of antibiotic therapy. The other incisions healed by first intention. All the 24 patients were followed up 12-23 months, with an average of 17.1 months. The foot shape of the patients recovered well, the shoes were restored to the size before injury, and there was no anterior ankle impingement. Bone union was achieved in all patients, and the healing time ranged from 12 to 18 weeks, with an average of 14.1 weeks. At last follow-up, no adjacent joint degeneration occurred in all patients; 5 patients had mild foot pain during walking, which had no significant impact on daily life and work; no patient needed revision surgery. The AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was significantly higher than that before operation (P<0.001), the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 4 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 83.3%. The VAS score, talocalcaneal height, talus inclination angle, Pitch angle, calcaneal width, and hindfoot alignment angle were significantly improved after operation (P<0.001). ConclusionCalcaneal V-shaped osteotomy combined with subtalar arthrodesis can effectively relieve hindfoot pain, correct talocalcaneal height, restore talus inclination angle, and reduce the risk of nonunion after subtalar arthrodesis.
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 evaluate the clinical results of the self-manufactured screw director of the calcaneous sustentaculum tali in the surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. MethodsBetween May 2012 and October 2013, 40 patients (47 feet) underwent surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures, and the clinical data were analyzed. There were 29 males and 11 females with an average age of 46 years (range, 25-68 years). According to Sanders classification, 17 feet were rated as type Ⅱ, 20 feet as type Ⅲ, and 10 feet as type IV. The average time from injury to admission was 6.02 hours (range, 1-12 hours). All the patients were treated with the screw director of the calcaneous sustentaculum tali to fix the sustentaculum tali. The intraoperative times of fluoroscopy were recorded. The Böhler angle and Gissane angle were measured at pre- and post-operation. The clinical functional outcomes were evaluated according to the Maryland foot score system. ResultsThe intraoperative times of fluoroscopy were 2-4 times (mean, 2.85 times). Radiographic examination showed 45 screws were accurately implanted into the middle of the sustentaculum tali in implanted 47 screws except 1 screw which penetrated into the anteroinferior of the sustentaculum tali and 1 screw which penetrated into the anterior of the sustentaculum tali. The accurate rate of screw implant was 95.7%. All patients were followed up for an average of 12 months (range, 8-18 months). During the follow-up, incision skin necrosis and infection occurred in 2 cases, and sural nerve injury developed in 3 cases. Bone union was achieved at an average of 12.72 weeks (range, 9-18 weeks) postoperatively. The Böhler angle was improved significantly from (6.48±3.67)° pre-operatively to (29.40±4.65)° post-operatively (t=-31.38, P=0.00). The Gissane angle was improved significantly from (99.30±5.85)° pre-operatively to (130.84±5.08)° post-operatively (t=-28.32, P=0.00). The Maryland foot score was 90.66 on average (range, 65-98) at last follow-up; the results were excellent in 41 feet, good in 3 feet, and fair in 3 feet with an excellent and good rate of 93.6%. ConclusionThe self-manufactured screw director of the calcaneous sustentaculum tali can significantly improve the accuracy of the screw implanted into the sustentaculum tali and reduce the harm of intraoperative fluoroscopy to the body.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and safety of subgluteal approach continous sciatic nerve block with 0.2% ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia in calcaneal fracture patients. MethodsForty calcaneal fracture patients treated from May 2012 to January 2013 were randomly assigned to two groups:20 patients in continuous sciatic nerve block group (group CSB) and 20 patients in self-controlled intravenous analgesia group (group PCIA).Patients in group CSB were given subgluteal approach continuous sciatic nerve block,and PCA pump was connected to give 0.2% ropivacaine via continuous nerve block catheter continuously for analgesia.Patients in group PCIA were given PCA pump directly for self-controlled intravenous analgesia.The movement/rest VAS scores and Ramsay scores at 2,8,24,48 hours after surgery,the dose of other analgesia drugs after surgery,the satisfaction of patients and surgeons,and side effects were recorded. ResultsThe movement and rest visual analogue scale (VSA) scores and the dose of analgesia drugs in group CSB were significantly lower than group PCIA at all time points (P<0.05).The satisfaction of patients and surgeons in group CSB was higher than group PCIA (P<0.05). ConclusionCompared with self-controlled intravenous analgesia,subgluteal approach continuous sciatic nerve block with 0.2% ropivacaine can provide better and safer postoperative analgesia for calcaneal fracture patients.