Operative treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus using absorbable internal fixation: a prospective study of twenty-five fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To document the use of absorbable implants in the operative treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
Level one trauma center, university hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-five displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures in twenty-one patients.


METHODS
The fractures were reduced operatively and fixed with absorbable self-reinforced polyglycolide rods.


METHODS
Reduction, healing, and stability of fixation were assessed on radiographs. The functional result was scored using the method of Crosby and Fitzgibbons. Patient satisfaction was recorded.


RESULTS
The mean Böhler angle was -12 degrees (standard deviation 22 degrees) preoperatively and 20 degrees (standard deviation 13 degrees) postoperatively. After a two-year follow-up, seven patients had excellent, five good, three fair, and six poor functional results. Subjectively, fifteen patients were satisfied and six were dissatisfied. Twelve patients returned to work within one year, three were unemployed, two were retired prior to the accident, and four were unable to work because of the calcaneal fracture. The postoperative Böhler angle and later the appearance or absence of posttraumatic subtalar arthritis were significant prognostic factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Results with absorbable implants are similar to those with other operative methods. Advantages include the absence of secondary procedures for implant removal and undisturbed computed tomography scans postoperatively.
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
J
J
Kankare
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid