Open reduction and internal fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Objective To evaluate open reduction and internal fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures and analyze factors affecting its clinical results. Methods From March 2004 to July 2006,46 displaced intra-arficular calcaneal fractures in 40 patients were surgically treated by open reduction and internal fixation.According to Sanders classification,there were 16 cases of type Ⅱ,19 cases of type Ⅲ and 11 cases of type Ⅳ. Results All the patients were followed up for anaverage of 18(13 to 28)months.The effects of treatment were evaluated according to Maryland Foot Score:excellent in 21 feet,good in 16 feet,fair in 6 feet,poor in 3 feet. The total good to excellent ratewas 82.6%.The respective good to excellent rates were 93.8%for type Ⅱ fractures,84.2%for type Ⅲ,and 54.5%for type Ⅳ;87.2%for the group with time interval from injury to surgery ≤14d,and 42.9%for the group with time interval＞14d;37.5%for thegroup with B(o)hler angle＜15°,and 89.5% for the group with B(o)hler angle≥15 °.91.2%for the group with reduction of intra-articular calcaneal fractures ≤2 mm,and 45.5% for the group with the reduction＞2mm.The differences within each factor group were statistically significant(P＜0.05). Conclusions Open reduction and internal fixation fordisplaced intra-articularcalcaneal fractures is a good method.Fracture type,time interval from injury to surgery,B(o)hler angle reduction,reduction of intra-articular calcaneal fractures are important factors affecting outcome of operation. Key words: Calcaneal fractures;  Fracture fixation,internal:Treatment outcome