title: Reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with a locking nail: a prospective study of sixty nine cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The best treatment for intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus is still debated. The aims of this study were to determine whether intrafocal reduction of thalamic fractures is effective, to evaluate whether a locking nail is able to maintain reduction of the articular surface and to analyse the functional results of this original method.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study assessed 69 fractures treated with a locking fracture nail in 63 cases and with primary subtalar fusion in six (Calcanail (®), FH). Articular congruity and global reduction of the calcaneus was assessed in all patients by computed tomography (CT) scan three months postoperatively. Functional results were evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score (AOFAS-AHS) and all complications recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For the 63 fracture nails, the average AOFAS score was 85.9 at a mean final follow-up of 12 months. Only three secondary fusions were performed. For the six comminuted fractures requiring primary fusion, the average AOFAS score was 75.9 at the last follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The posterior intrafocal approach for both reduction and locked nailing of intra-articular calcaneal fractures has been proven as an effective and reliable procedure.
authors.affiliation: Centre hospitalier Saint Joseph Saint Luc, 20 Quai Claude Bernard, 69365, Lyon Cedex 07, France. patrick@simon-bertrand.com.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.affiliation: Clinique de l'Union, 31240, Saint Jean, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goldzak
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eschler
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mittlmeier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods; D001858:Bone Nails; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Calcaneal fractures; Internal fixation; Intra-articular fractures; Locking nail; Open reduction; Operative treatment; Primary fusion