Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures using calcaneal locking plates

Objective To study on therapeutic effect of calcaneal locking plates on displaced calcaneal intra-articular fractures. Methods From October 2011 to October 2013,26 patients with 27 fractures of displaced calcaneal intra-articular fractures underwent the open reduction and internal fixation using calcaneal locking plates under the perspective of the C-arm X-ray machine from the L incision of calcaneal lateral part. The patients were 18 males with 18 fractures and 8 females with 9 fractures,aged 24 to 65 with an average age of 35. 5. None of the patients received bone grafting. Before surgeries,side,shaft,as well as coronary position of calcaneal were imaged by Three-dimensional CT scan. According to Sanders classification,16 fractures were type Ⅱ,9 were type Ⅲ,2 type were Ⅳ. Radiological assessment was performed before and after surgeries. Maryland Foot Score was also employed at the last follow-up. Results 26 patients with 27 fractures got a mean follow-up of 12(5 to 18) months. All of their fractures were healed in a mean time of 13. 4(12 to 15)weeks without delayed union,nonunion,displacement,avascular necrosis,or failure of screws and plates. One got flap edge necrosis,one experienced dehiscence of incision;and one suffered lateral cutaneous sural nerve injury symptoms. No incision infection occurred. 17 cases got excellent grades,6 cases got good grades and 2 got fair grades according to Maryland Foot Score. The excellent and good rate was 85. 18%. The width as well as the length,the height,B? hler of angle and Gissane angle of calcaneus were getting good recovery(P 0. 01). Conclusion The open reduction and internal fixation with locking plates is a good therapy for intra-articular calcaneal fractures,which is helpful for early function training.