Peri-Articular Reconstruction for Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures Utilizing the Ilizarov Method with Orthofix Truelok Circular External Fixator: A Technique Guide and Orthoplastic Considerations

Edgardo Rodriguez-Collazo and Joseph Agyen

Department of Surgery, Presence Saint Joseph Hospital, USA
Department of Podiatric Surgery Resident, Presence Saint Joseph Hospital, USA

^*Correspondance to: Edgardo Rodriguez-Collazo 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1998

Abstract

Calcaneal fractures have been a challenging injury for the surgeon to treat for some time. Poor soft tissue envelope, vascular compromise and poor overall health are some of the obstacles surgeons face before entering the operating room. Several techniques exist including Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with lateral plate and screws, percutaneous techniques of reduction with k-wires and reduction by external fixation. The purpose of this technique guide is to provide a comprehensive approach to the treatment of calcaneal fractures when ORIF is not indicated. One long-term study showed that the functional outcomes of ORIF were statistically the same as nonoperative treatment in displaced intra-articular fractures. Forty-seven patients with 47 calcaneal fractures were treated with the reduction traction and Ilizarov method of circular external fixation. All fractures were classified using the Sanders CT classification system with 27 patients Sanders III or IV fractures (20 patients). The average age was 37 with a range of 28 to 55. The mean follow-up time was 32 months with a minimum of 28 months. The average post-op AOFAS hindfoot score was 81.25. All patients were allowed to bear 20% of weight starting at post-operative day #0. We present a technique for reduction of Sanders stage III and IV calcaneal fractures by means of external fixation. The senior author presents a long-term retrospective analysis using this particular technique with favorable outcomes. Using indirect reduction and external fixation with the Ilizarov method we can limit complications and improve functional outcomes of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Keywords

Calcaneal fracture; Ilizarov; Trauma; External fixator; Orthoplastic approach; Orthofix truelok; Reduction traction

Cite the article

Rodriguez-Collazo E, Agyen J. Peri- Articular Reconstruction for Intra- Articular Calcaneal Fractures Utilizing the Ilizarov Method with Orthofix Truelok Circular External Fixator: A Technique Guide and Orthoplastic Considerations. Clin Surg. 2018; 3: 1998.