Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis for the Treatment of Comminuted Calcaneal Fractures

1996 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara D. Buch ◽  
Mark S. Myerson ◽  
Stuart D. Miller

We retrospectively evaluated the results of primary subtalar arthrodesis for the treatment of severely comminuted calcaneal fractures. Of 108 patients with 112 calcaneal fractures treated at our institution between 1989 and 1992, 16 (15%) underwent primary subtalar arthrodesis through an extensile lateral approach. The calcaneal height and width were restored with standard fixation techniques and then arthrodesis was performed with bone graft and fixation by 7.0-mm cannulated cancellous screws. Fourteen patients (12 males and 2 females; mean age, 40 years) were available for examination at a mean time of 26 months (range, 12–54 months) after surgery. Arthrodesis, evidenced by radiographic bony bridging across the arthrodesis site, was present in all patients between 8 and 12 weeks. Minor wound complications occurred in three patients. Of the 12 patients employed before the injury, 11 returned to their original occupations at a mean time of 8.8 months after injury (range, 1 month to 3 years). The mean AOFAS 100-point clinical rating scale score, evaluating pain, function, and alignment, was 72.4 points (range, 48–88 points). We conclude that primary subtalar arthrodesis is indicated as part of the management of comminuted displaced articular calcaneal fractures, yielding results that allowed 11 of 12 formerly employed patients to return to work.

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0015
Author(s):  
James P. Davies ◽  
W. Bret Smith ◽  
Steven Steinlauf ◽  
Mary Millikin

Category: Ankle, Diabetes, Hindfoot, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Intra-articular calcaneal fractures offer unique challenges. Wound problems and infection are significant complications in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures which in turn can be debilitating to patients and outcomes. The literature suggests varying wound complication rates but 21% up to 33% using the traditional extensile lateral approach in some studies. The extensile lateral approach has historically been accepted as the gold standard for fixation and treatment of these fractures. Recently there has been resurgent interest in alternative approaches to the fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Of interest is the potential of the sinus tarsi approach to decrease wound complications while having comparable reduction quality to the higher wound risk extensile lateral approach. Methods: A multi-center retrospective chart review study was implemented. The study objective was to review wound complication of the sinus tarsi approach compared with outcomes from the traditional extensile approach for fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Specifically; examining a population of patients considered at high risk for wound issues, comparing radiographic and clinical outcomes. Results: In the high-risk group, only one primary complications resulted, including one patient with a history of an open fracture. All fractures healed with adequate maintenance of alignment. Chi- squared analysis resulted in a statistically significant difference in complication rates between sinus tarsi and the traditional extensile lateral approach at the 95% confidence level. Conclusion: In both high-risk and lower-risk cohorts of patients, a low rate of infection and wound problems was encountered. A limited approach through a sinus tarsi incision provides a viable option to treat displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture patients with risk factors for wound issues. The patients all healed both their soft tissue wounds and fractures. Functional return was consistent with other study populations. Our study adds another cohort of patient data demonstrating the advantage of the sinus tarsi approach when compared to the extensile lateral in terms of decreased wound complications while maintaining quality of reductions and clinical outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 230949902091528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Yu ◽  
Yuan Xiong ◽  
Alex Kang ◽  
Haichao Zhou ◽  
Wenbao He ◽  
...  

Purpose: Accumulated literature has reported the comparative efficacy of the sinus tarsi approach (STA) and the extensile lateral approach (ELA) for the treatment of calcaneal fractures (CFs). However, the best alternative treatment for CF is still inconsistent. Herein, the present systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses aims to achieve an evident conclusion by performing a comprehensive reanalysis of previous meta-analyses regarding the comparison of the STA and the ELA. Methods: We searched several databases, including Pubmed, Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, SpringerLink, Clinical Trials.gov , OVID, and CNKI for the meta-analyses comparing the STA and the ELA for the treatment of CF. All related meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were included. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the articles and extracted the data. The Jadad decision algorithm was used to evaluate the evidence of the articles. Results: Ultimately, five meta-analyses were included in the present study. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews scores of these articles ranged from 5 to 9 with a median of 7. The analysis of best quality, Bai 2018, was selected based on the Jadad algorithm. In this article, the significant differences were found in wound complications and operating time, recovery of Böhler’s angle, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores, and the visual analog scale. Conclusion: The clinical relevance of the present study is that both the STA and the ELA are effective in alleviating pain and improving functionality in the treatment of CF. However, due to a shorter operation duration and lower complication rates, the STA was indicated to be a superior alternative for CF treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0030
Author(s):  
Robert Kulwin ◽  
Sapan Shah ◽  
Steven L. Haddad ◽  
Brian M. Weatherford

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Displaced intraarticular calcaneus fractures comprise the majority of all calcaneus fractures. Many are indicated for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through an extensile lateral approach (ELA). Unfortunately, this approach has reported complication rates of up to 32%. Improved edema management may reduce the incidence of complications. While compression wrapping has been shown to reduce wound complications in ankle arthroplasty, it has not been well studied in lower extremity trauma. This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of compression wrapping in calcaneus fractures treated surgically with an ELA. Methods: This study included 19 patients from 2015-2018 who underwent ORIF of closed intra-articular calcaneal fractures via an ELA by two surgeons. Demographics, comorbidities, fracture characteristics, and time to surgery were recorded. Following surgery, the extremity was initially immobilized in a short leg splint with transition to serial compression wrappings on postoperative day two. Wrappings involved application of multi-layered cotton cast padding and short stretch elastic bandages to the extremity in a distal to proximal fashion. Wraps were replaced every three days by trained physiotherapists until the two- week postoperative visit. The primary outcome was development of a wound complication. A minor complication was defined as wound appearance prompting initiation of oral or IV antibiotics or local wound care. A major complication was defined as development of flap necrosis or return to the OR for debridement. Results: Mean age was 47.7 years. 3 patients (15.7%) were diabetic, and 7 patients (36.8%) were smokers. Mean BMI was 26.9 kg/m2 (SD 4.4). Mean time to surgery was 11.4 days from injury (SD 6.93). The rate of minor soft tissue complication was 4/19 (26.3%); 2 patients required oral antibiotics only, 1 local wound care only, and 1 both antibiotics and local wound care. The rate of major complication was 2/19 (10.5%), with 1 patient requiring a return to OR and another requiring both a return to the OR and IV antibiotics. Of those patients, 1 was noncompliant with the protocol. All patients progressed to eventual soft tissue healing. Statistical analysis identified diabetes as a risk factor for any complication (p=0.02, relative risk 5.3). Conclusion: Compression wrapping resulted in a low incidence of major soft tissue complications in calcaneus fractures treated with an extensile lateral approach. Compression wrapping is an effective method of post-operative soft tissue management for calcaneal fractures, and may have further applications for similar high energy foot and ankle fractures. Further studies are warranted to determine whether this novel wound care technique is superior to standard post-operative wound care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0019
Author(s):  
Wolfram Grün ◽  
Marius Molund ◽  
Fredrik Nilsen ◽  
Are Stødle

Category: Arthroscopy, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures using the extensile lateral approach is associated with high rates of infection and soft tissue complications. During the last years there was a trend towards less invasive fixation methods. Percutaneous and arthroscopically assisted calcaneal osteosynthesis (PACO) combines the advantages of good visualization of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint with a minimally invasive approach. We have performed this technique since 2014 in selected Sanders II and III fractures. Methods: We conducted a clinical and radiographic follow-up of 19 patients with 20 calcaneal fractures which had been treated by PACO with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The follow-up rate was 66% (19 of 29 patients). 18 men and 1 woman with a median age of 44 years (range, 21-65) and a follow-up period of 18 months (12-33) were examined. There were 11 Sanders II and 9 Sanders III fractures. Radiographs of all feet were obtained at final follow-up to evaluate the reduction of the fractures as well as the presence of osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint. Our primary outcome was the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Secondary outcomes were the Calcaneus Fracture Scoring System (CFSS), the Manchester- Oxford Foot Questionaire (MOxFQ), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the incidence of complications. Results: The patients were operated on after a median of 4 days after injury (range, 1-12). The operation time was 139.5 minutes (98-234). The patients were discharged 3 days (1-6) postoperatively. Postoperative radiographs showed a Böhler angle of 29.5 degrees (0-40). However, the follow-up radiographs showed subsidence of the fractures and a Böhler angle of 21 degrees (-16-36). 95% of the operated feet showed signs of posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis. There were no wound healing complications. Two patients were reoperated with screw removal due to prominent screws. The AOFAS score was 85 (50-100), the CFSS score 85 (26-100), the MOxFQ score 26.6 (0-73.4). The VAS pain score was 0 (0-5.7) at rest and 4 (0-8.2) during activity. Conclusion: Only a few articles have reported the outcome after percutaneous artroscopically assisted calcaneal osteosynthesis. Our results suggest that PACO gives good clinical results and a reduced risk of complications in selected calcaneal fractures. However, since this technique is technically challenging and has a steep learning curve, we expect to be able to further improve our results over time. Prospective longterm studies will be necessary to better document the potential advantages and limitations of this operating technique.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0028
Author(s):  
Methee Khongphaophong

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The options of operative treatment for intra-articular calcaneal fracture still remains controversial. Extensile lateral approach allow excellent exposure to fracture, but bring high rate of wound complications. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of intra-articular calcaneal fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation via an extensile lateral versus. Sinus tarsi approach Methods: Prospective study of 62 intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation between 2014, October to 2017, June. 29 were treated with extensile lateral approach with calcaneal locking plate(Wright medical, Tennessee), 33 sinus tarsi approach(4 cases need additional mini medial incision approaches for SanderIII AC, BC) with mini-calcaneal locking plate(Normed, Florida). Durations until operation, operative time, foot functional index(total score), visual analog scale, SF-36, Bohler’s angle, angle of Gissane, wound complications and duration of hospital stay were recorded post-operatively and minimal 6 months follow up. Results: Compared 2 groups with demographic datas.Average duration until operation; extensile group was 13.32 days, sinus tarsi group was 6.08 days, p <0.001. Operative time; extensile group was 123.41minutes vs. sinus tarsi group was 91.20 minutes, p <0.001. Wound complications was 24.13% in extensile group vs. 6.06% in sinus tarsi group, p =0.045, Duration of post-operative admission was 6.68 days in extensile group vs. 3.10 days in sinus tarsi group p <0.001 FFI last visits was 25.36 in extensile group vs. 25.65 in sinus tarsi group, p =0.969, VAS activity was 29.68 in extensile group vs. 28.54 in sinus tarsi group, p=0.271. Conclusion: Sinus tarsi approach with mini-calcaneal locking plate was a great option for treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fracture. This approach brought lower rate of wound complications, earlier operations, shorter operation times and shorter hospital stay compared to extensile lateral approach.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0004
Author(s):  
Yunfeng Yang ◽  
Haichao Zhou ◽  
Yun Zhang

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: To study and compare the clinical outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation via extensile L-shape incision and limited open reduction via sinus tarsi approach using medial distraction technique for intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 65 intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated operatively between March 2012 and February 2015, including 32 cases of Sanders type? and 33 of Sanders type?. There were 49 men and 16 women. The mean age was 43.7 years old. They were divided into two groups: sinus tarsi approach group and extensile lateral approach group. No significant difference was found in gender, age, injury pattern, fracture classification between two groups (P>0.05). The Böhler angle, Gissane angle and calcaneal varus angle were measured before surgery, 1 week after surgery and at each follow-up visit respectively. The postoperative function was evaluated by the ankle and hind-foot score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: All of the fractures were healed at about 10 weeks postoperatively. Böhler angle, Gissane angle and calcaneal varus angle were restored obviously, while there was no significant statistically difference between the two groups. Only the corrected value of calcaneal varus angle is statistically significant.At the last follow-up, the average AOFAS ankle and hind-foot score of minimal group was 88.4±6.6, and the VAS score was 1.9±0.7, while of extensile lateral approach group was 83.2±5.6 and 2.3±1.0 respectively. Conclusion: Limited open reduction via sinus tarsi approach for intra-articular calcaneal fractures could reduce the incidence of wound complications effectively, and the medial distraction technique is helpful to correct the calcaneus varus deformity.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seunghun Woo ◽  
Su-Young Bae ◽  
Hyung Jin Chung ◽  
Tae Sik Goh

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: This study aims to assess the detailed radiologic outcomes which used uninjured side weight-bearing radiograph as a template as well as clinical results to compare the Ollier approach with screw fixation and the extensile lateral approach with lateral plating. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated operatively in our hospital from January 2009 to November 2014. Radiologic outcomes were assessed using radiologic parameters such as Böhler angle, calcaneal height, and talar sagittal angles represent calcaneal deformation by the comparison of the final follow-up bilateral weight-bearing lateral radiograph. Functional outcome was assessed through the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores. Postoperative complications were investigated. Results: Ninety-seven unilateral fractures were appeared to match our inclusion criteria: forty-six fractures were treated by using the extensile lateral approach with lateral plating (the ELP group), and fifty-one fractures were treated with the Ollier approach and screw fixation (the OS group). The operation time was significantly shorter in the OA group (p<0.05). There were no significant difference of the final follow-up radiologic parameters between two groups. The mean AOFAS scores were significantly higher in the OS group (p = 0.020) and both groups showed similarity in the VAS pain scores (p = 0.175). Overall soft-tissue complications were 28.3% in the ELP group and 9.8% in the OS group (p = 0.034). Conclusion: No difference could be shown in the postoperative and final follow-up radiological outcomes between the Ollier approach and the extensile lateral approach, but the Ollier approach had better functional score and lower soft tissue complication rate with shorter operative time.


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