[Open reduction and internal fixation by primary subtalar arthrodesis for intraarticular calcaneal fractures].
OBJECTIVE
To prevent the development of painful posttraumatic degenerative joint disease by a primary one-stage procedure to treat calcaneal fractures involving obvious comminution or severe and extensive cartilage damage to the subtalar facet.


METHODS
Sanders type IV calcaneal fractures with severe and extensive cartilage destruction. The definitive indication for arthrodesis can only be established intraoperatively.


METHODS
Severe closed IIIrd or IV nd degree soft-tissue injury according to Tscherne & Oestern. Open fractures. Vascular impairment. Diabetes mellitus. Generalized or local inactivity osteoporosis > grade I according to Kanis. Age > approximately 50 years.


METHODS
Extended lateral approach. Osteosynthesis of the calcaneal fracture, reconstruction of axes, subtalar facet denuded of cartilage, bone graft from the anterior iliac crest, arthrodesis by screw fixation of the subtalar joint.


METHODS
After edema has subsided, mobilization without a cast and partial loading up to 15 kg for 12 weeks. Clinical and radiologic review after 6 and 12 weeks.


RESULTS
This operation is performed very rarely. Within a retrospective study including patients over a period of 14 years (1990-2004), a total of 434 patients with a calcaneal fracture were treated surgically. Primary subtalar arthrodesis was performed in only six of these patients. Healing within 4 months was achieved in all six patients. The clinical and radiologic follow-ups took place on average after 4.9 years (2.5-7.5 years). Radiologically, almost anatomic reconstruction of the axes could be achieved (Gissane and Böhler angles, talometatarsal and talocalcaneal angles, calcaneal length and width). The functional outcomes were also good to very good with an average AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) Score of 88 points (63-94 points) and a Hanover Score of 84 points (62-90 points).
Hüfner
Tobias
T
Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany. huefner.tobias@mh-hannover.de
Geerling
Jens
J
Gerich
Torsten
T
Zeichen
Johannes
J
Richter
Martinus
M
Krettek
Christian
C
D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013628:Talus / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome