title: Applied anatomy of the calcaneocuboid articular surface for internal fixation of calcaneal fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many types of steel plates are used for internal fixation of calcaneal fractures through extensive lateral approach. The fixation screw at the anterior calcaneal process must be placed into the dense compression trabeculae located directly under the calcaneocuboid articular surface to achieve a stable fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The transverse diameter and inner tilt angle of the calcaneocuboid articular surface were measured and the inner structures near the calcaneocuboid articular surface were observed in forty adult calcaneus bone specimens to provide an anatomical basis for internal fixation of calcaneal fractures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The transverse diameter was 22.67 ± 2.14 mm and the inner tilt angle was 60.4 ± 7.1°.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Screws should be implanted under the calcaneocuboid articular surface and the length and direction of the screw should be selected according to the transverse diameter of the calcaneal articular surface and the inner tilt angle, respectively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China. Electronic address: wzj1987doc@yahoo.com.cn.
authors.forename: Zhi-Jie
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xiu-Ling
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Yan-Chen
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Yun-Wen
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Zou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male