Operative treatments of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus with locking plates

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of operative management of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus using locking plates. Methods From October 2004 to October 2006, 34patients with close displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus were fixed with Calcaneal locking Plates through the extensive lateral approach. The right foot was involved in 20 patients. The mean age was 34 yesrs with a range of 19 to 42 years. Accordiing to Sanders' classification system, there were 16 patients in style Ⅱ and 18 in style Ⅲ The mean interval between injury and operation was 13 days Standard reduction and fixation techniques were performed to realign all components of the intra-articular calcaneal fracture using a locking calcaneal fracture plate. The result were evaluated with AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) ankle-hindfoot scale. Results Twenty-eight patients were followed up. The follow-up duration ranged from six to forty months, with the mean of twenty months. angle and were measured at, The average B(o)hler angle was 29° and 30° and the average Gissane was 122° and 125° seven days and three months after operation. Bone union was achieved in all cases. All incisons had healed smoothly. No patient sustained lateral impingement syndrome or soft tissue complications The mean AOFAS scores that was measured three months and six months after operation was 74. Conclusion The application of the calcaneal locking plates through extended lateral approach is proved to be an effective treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture, offering the combination of good reduction and early rehabilitation. Key words: Calcaneus;  Fractures, bone;  Fracture fixation, intenal;  Bone plates