EARLY AND MID-TERM RESULTS OF SURGICALLY TREATED INTRA-ARTICULAR CALCANEAL FRACTURES

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the early and mid-term results of intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated surgically.
Patients and methods: Thirteen calcaneal fractures of 9 patients were surgically treated between January 1997 and January 2000. All of them were closed, high energy intra-articular injuries. The fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixation through Bernischke’s lateral extensile approach in the first 2 weeks.
Results: All fractures were healed. We have experienced one superficial and one deep infection. The superficial infection was managed with oral antibiotics successfully. The patient with deep infection healed after implant and allograft removal, irrigation, debridement and culture sensitive antibiotherapy. Unfortunately the fracture collapsed, the heel widened and went into varus again in this patient. Our mean follow-up is 17.1months. The patients were evaluated according to Maryland Foot Score and rated as 75% excellent and good and 25% fair results for Sanders Type II fractures (n=8); 40% excellent- good, 40% fair and 20% bad results for Sanders Type III fractures (n=5).
Conclusion: A sufficient functional outcome could be expected with surgical treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures if attention paid to correct timing and technique and preventive measures against possible complications.