ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of treatments by percutaneous Acutrak screw fixation for intra-articular tongue type fracture of calcaneus, especially in elderly patient or patients with underlying disease including diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven cases with intra-articular tongue type fracture of calcaneus, from November 2003 to February 2005, were reviewed. There were 6 males and 1 female with 65 years old mean age (range: 61~71 years old). The average follow-up period was 16 months (range: 10~25 months). Two Steinmann pins were used for closed reduction. After closed reduction was done like Essex-Lopresti's method, two Acutrak screws were inserted. The third Acutrak screw was inserted at the sustentaculum tali away from sinus tarsi to fix the primary fracture line. The patients were evaluated with Salama scale, the extent of recovery of Bohler angle, state of subtalar joint. RESULTS: Clinical results according Salama scale were excellent in 5 cases, and good in 2 cases. Average preoperative Bohler angle was 13 degrees (range: 12~15 degrees). Average postoperative Bohler angle was 31o (range: 23 degrees - 40 degrees). There were no soft tissue complications. There were two mild subtalar arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: We think that percutaneous Acutrak screw fixation is a good option for tongue type fracture of calcaneus in elderly patient or patients with underlying disease including diabetes mellitus.