Technique for Foot Reconstruction with Custom-made Calcaneal Prosthesis in Primary Malignancy - A Case Report / Técnica de reconstrução do pé com prótese de calcâneo feita sob medida em câncer primário - Relato de caso

Abstract The foot is an uncommon location for osseous tumors, comprising ~ 3% of all skeletal tumors, which occur particularly around the calcaneum. Radical surgery creates a void in the foot which adversely affects the ability to salvage it. Calcaneal replacement surgeries are not commonly performed due to factors involving instability of the prosthesis, soft-tissue defects, and resultant failure, which can occur in the postoperative period. Thus, we herein report a rare case of synovial sarcoma arising from the sheath of the tibialis posterior tendon, with secondary involvement of the calcaneus bone. Considering the previous experiences of different surgeons, a custom-made prosthesis was designed with relevant modifications.

Resumo O pé é um local incomum para tumores ósseos, e compreende cerca de 3% de todos os tumores esqueléticos, em especial ao redor do calcâneo. A cirurgia radical cria um vazio no pé, o que afeta de forma negativa a capacidade de resgate do membro. As cirurgias de reconstrução do calcâneo não são comumente realizadas por causa da instabilidade da prótese, defeito de partes moles, e consequente possibilidade de insucesso pósoperatório. Assim, apresentamos aqui um caso raro de sarcoma sinovial originário da bainha do tendão tibial posterior com acometimento secundário do osso calcâneo. Considerando as experiências prévias de diferentes cirurgiões, projetamos uma prótese sob medida com modificações relevantes.

A comparison of effectiveness of sex estimation from the calcaneus and talus in a Thai population / Comparación de la efectividad de la estimación del sexo a partir del calcáneo y el talus en una población tailandesa

SUMMARY: Sex estimation is an important aspect of skeletal identification. In addition, previous studies have found that the sex estimation of each race is different. Thus, it is necessary to develop discriminant function equations for the estimation of sex for the Thai population. This study aims to investigate the relationship between width, length and height of the calcaneus and talus with regards to sex and compare the effectiveness of sex estimation between the calcaneus alone, the talus alone, and between both the calcaneus and talus. A total of 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) were used in this study; ages ranged from 19 to 94 years. Thirteen variables of calcaneus and ten variables of talus were measured. The authors created discriminant function equations for the estimation of sex and tested the efficiency of the equations obtained by using a test group of 40 individuals (20 males and 20 females). By analyzing the mean values of the variables in the calcaneus and the talus, it was shown that males were significantly different from females (p0.05). A stepwise method was used to create 6 equations for sex estimation. The equations were categorized from between the calcaneus alone, the talus alone, and between both the calcaneus and the talus, providing a sex estimation accuracy of between 88.5 and 93.0 %. Using the test group, it was shown that discriminant function equations from the calcaneus alone, the talus alone, and the calcaneus and the talus together, can estimate sex at a high level of accuracy. Sex estimation accuracy was greater than 85 % in all equations. Therefore, the discriminant function equations from the calcaneus alone, the talus alone, and between both the calcaneus and the talus, from this study can be applied to the Thai population.

La estimación del sexo es un aspecto importante de la identificación esquelética. Estudios previos han encontrado que la estimación del sexo de cada raza es diferente. Por lo tanto, es necesario desarrollar ecuaciones de funciones discriminantes para la estimación del sexo de la población tailandesa. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la relación entre el ancho, el largo y la altura de los huesos calcáneo y talus con respecto al sexo y comparar la efectividad de la estimación del sexo entre el calcáneo solo, el talus solo y entre el calcáneo y el talus. Se utilizaron un total de 200 huesos de individuos adultos (100 hombres y 100 mujeres), cuyas edades oscilaron entre 19 y 94 años. Se midieron trece variables del calcáneo y diez variables del talus. Los autores crearon ecuaciones de funciones discriminantes para la estimación del sexo y probaron la eficiencia de ellas usando un grupo de prueba de huesos de 40 individuos (20 hombres y 20 mujeres). Al analizar los valores medios de las variables en el calcáneo y el talus, se demostró que los huesos de los hombres eran significativamente diferentes al de las mujeres (p0.05). Se utilizó un método paso a paso para crear 6 ecuaciones para la estimación del sexo. Las ecuaciones se clasificaron entre el calcáneo solo, el talus solo y entre el calcáneo y el talus, lo que proporcionó una precisión de estimación del sexo de entre 88,5 y 93,0 %. Usando el grupo de prueba, se demostró que las ecuaciones de funciones discriminantes del calcáneo solo, el talus solo y el calcáneo y el talus juntos pueden estimar el sexo con un alto nivel de precisión. La precisión de la estimación del sexo fue superior al 85 % en todas las ecuaciones. Por lo tanto, las ecuaciones de la función discriminante del calcáneo solo, el talus solo y entre el calcáneo y el talus de este estudio se pueden aplicar a la población tailandesa.

Minimally invasive fixation with a locking plate for Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures via the tarsal sinus approach / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the minimally invasive fixation with a locking plate via the tarsal sinus approach in the surgical treatment of Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 65 patients who had been surgically treated for Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures at Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Binzhou Medical College Hospital from April, 2019 to September, 2020. There are 44 males and 21 females with an age of (42.5±10.4) years, and 46 Sanders type Ⅱ fractures and 19 Sanders type Ⅲ ones. The patients were divided into group L and group S according to surgical methods. Group S of 35 cases was fixated with a minimally invasive locking plate through the tarsal sinus incision while group L of 30 cases fixated with a locking plate through the L-shaped incision. The 2 groups were compared in terms of waiting time before surgery, surgical time, hospital stay, intraoperative bleeding, visual analogue scale (VAS) at 3 days after surgery, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score at 1 year after surgery, excellent and good rate by the Maryland foot function score, B?hler angle, Gissane angle, varus angle, and complications.Results:There was no significant difference in the general data before surgery between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (13.3±1.6) months after surgery. The waiting time before surgery [(2.8±1.8) d], surgical time [(80.7±9.9) min], hospital stay [(6.7±1.9) d], intraoperative bleeding [(54.3±14.2) mL], and VAS at 3 days after surgery [6 (5, 7) points] in group S were all significantly less or lower than those in group L [(8.2±2.8) d, (105.0±15.7) min, (14.6±3.4) d, (74.3±12.8) mL, and 7 (6, 8) points] (all P<0.05). At one year after surgery, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score [(90.1±3.5) points] in group S was significantly higher than that in group L [(83.5±6.7) points] ( P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the excellent and good rate by the Maryland foot function score between the 2 groups [91.4% (32/35) versus 86.7% (26/30)] ( P=0.695). The B?hler angle, Gissane angle, and varus angle were significantly improved in all patients one year after surgery compared with the values before surgery ( P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences within either group or between the 2 groups at 3 days or 1 year after surgery ( P>0.05). Peroneal muscle pain was reported in 1 case in group S; there were 2 cases of skin necrosis, 1 case of incision hematoma and 1 case of sural nerve injury in group L. Conclusion:The minimally invasive fixation with a locking plate via the tarsal sinus approach is an effective treatment for Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures.

CT anatomical features of the sustentaculum fragment and their clinical significance / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To determine the anatomical parameters concerning the length, width and height of the sustentaculum fragment of the calcaneus using CT imaging data and their clinical significance.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the CT imaging data of normal calcaneus in 96 patients (100 feet) which had been collected by Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tongji Hospital from January 2019 to September 2020. There were 45 males (48 feet) and 51 females (52 feet) with an age of (42.1±13.6) years, and 56 left feet and 44 right feet. After 3D models were reconstructed with the CT data using software Mimics 22.0, the calcaneus was viewed layer by layer at each level of the scan. After the first continuous bone trabecula on the medial side of the calcaneal central triangle was taken as the boundary, the model of the sustentaculum fragment was segmented. The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment were measured. The outer contour of the sustentaculum fragment was projected onto the lateral wall of the calcaneus to draw the contour line using software Materialise 3-Matic 22.0. By overlaying projection line diagrams, a summary of projection line diagrams of 100 sustentaculum fragments was obtained. Seven screw insertion points were selected in the summary region of the projection line diagrams of the lateral wall of the calcaneus, and the distance from each point to the medial side of the calcaneus were measureed. The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment, as well as the distance from the 7 insertion points to the medial side of the calcaneus, were compared between different feet and genders.Results:The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment were (45.19±4.60) mm, (38.57±4.59) mm and (40.76±5.48) mm, respectively. There were no significant differences in the length, width or height of the sustentaculum fragment between different feet or in the height of the sustentaculum fragment between different genders ( P>0.05), but the length and width of the sustentaculum fragment in females were significantly smaller than those in the males ( P<0.05). The projection of the sustentaculum fragment was approximately ellipse on the summary region of the projection line diagrams on the lateral wall of the calcaneus, with the long axis approximately parallel to the midpoint tangent of the lateral edge of the calcaneal posterior articular surface, ranging from 2 to 20 mm from the posterior articular surface. The distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus were (39.91±3.77) mm at point A, (40.89±3.55) mm at point B, (36.42±5.98) mm at point C, (39.12±5.52) mm at point D, (40.04±4.84) mm at point E, (33.00±3.96) mm at point F, and (33.04±3.82) mm at point H. There was no significant difference in the distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus between different feet ( P>0.05), but the distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus in the females were significantly smaller than those in the males ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Anatomical measurements of the sustentaculum fragment can provide a theoretical basis for the range of fixation of the sustentaculum screws. A summary of projection line diagrams of the sustentaculum fragment on the lateral surface of the calcaneus can serve as a reference for placement of sustentaculum screws. Measurement of the distances from 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus can facilitate determination of the lengths of sustentaculum screws.

Antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap for one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneus osteomyelitis plus skin and soft tissue defects / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap in the one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneus osteomyelitis plus skin and soft tissue defects.Methods:From January 2013 to September 2019, 48 patients were admitted to Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Xi'an Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University for chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis complicated with skin and soft tissue defects. They were divided into 2 groups according to different bone grafts. In group A of 26 patients treated at one stage by antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap, there were 16 males and 10 females with an age of (45.0±11.7) years and an area of skin defect of (56.0±16.7) cm 2. In group B of 22 patients treated at one stage by simple autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap, there were 13 males and 9 females with an age of (43.6±9.6) years and an area of skin defect of (53.8±16.2) cm 2. The volume of the ilium harvested, fracture healing time, infection control, donor site complications, pain score of visual analogue scale (VAS) and function recovery of the ankle were compared between the 2 groups. Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). The 48 patients were followed up for (15.3±6.0) months. Group A had a significantly smaller volume of the ilium harvested [(67.3±14.1) cm 3] than group B [(90.7±23.5) cm 3], a significantly lower rate of donor site complications [3.8% (1/26)] than group B [31.8% (7/22)], significantly lower VAS pain scores at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours than group B, and significantly lower WBC count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein at 2, 4, 8 weeks after operation than group B (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the infection control rate [96.2% (25/26) versus 77.3% (17/22)], the fracture healing time [(6.2±1.9) months versus (6.4±2.1) months], or the ankle-hindfoot score of AOFAS (The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) (83.9±7.2 versus 82.5±8.7) at 6 months after operation (all P>0.05). Conclusion:In one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis complicated with skin and soft tissue defects, compared with simple autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap, antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate-autologous iliac bone combined with sural neurocutaneous flap can reduce the volume of the ilium harvested, pain score of VAS, and incidence of donor site complications, and improve the recovery of inflammatory indicators, leading to fine clinical effects.

Efficacy of 3D-printed guide plate assisted versus freehand placement of cannulated screws for the treatment of Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of 3D-printed guide plate assisted versus freehand placement of cannulated screws for the treatment of Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 29 patients with Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures admitted to Chonggang General Hospital from June 2020 to October 2022. Among them, there were 18 males and 11 females, with an age range of 22-69 years [(40.1±11.5)years]. Nineteen patients were treated with individualized 3D-printed guide plate assisted placement of cannulated screws (3D-printed group) and 10 were treated with freehand placement of cannulated screws (freehand group). The surgical time, fluoroscopy times, postoperative 6-month calcaneal morphology (length, width, height, B?hler angle and Gissane angle), and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Maryland functional score assessed at 3, 6 months after operation and at the final follow-up were compared between the two groups. The incision healing and complications were observed.Results:The patients were followed up for 6-24 months [(11.3±2.5)months]. The surgical time and fluoroscopy times in the 3D-printed group were (53.4±9.1)minutes and (7.3±1.1)times, respectively, which were shorter than (90.2±16.0)minutes and (16.0±3.2)times in the freehand group (all P<0.01). At 6 months after operation, there was no significant difference in calcaneal length between the two groups ( P>0.05); the calcaneal width, height, B?hler angle and Gissane angle in the 3D-printed group [(34.0±1.8)mm, (47.2±1.6)mm, (27.8±1.0)°, (129.2±2.8)°] were superior than those in the freehand group [(37.5±2.0)mm, (43.0±2.7)mm, (25.8±1.5)°, (125.9±2.5)°] (all P<0.01). At 3, 6 months after operation and at the final follow-up, the values of AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in the 3D-printed group [(72.2±2.3)points, (79.7±2.3)points, (86.5±4.4)points] were higher than those in the freehand group [(64.2±6.9)points, (73.4±4.2)points, (81.8±3.1)points] (all P<0.05); the values of Maryland score in the 3D-printed group [(71.4±7.7)points, (84.7±2.6)points, (91.5±2.5)points] were higher than those in the freehand group [(65.2±5.6)points, (79.1±3.8)points, (87.1±2.9)points] (all P<0.05). All surgical incisions were healed in stage I. In the 3D-printed group, there were no complications regarding infection, iatrogenic vascular or nerve injury, or fixation failure after surgery. In the freehand group, one patient with lateral sural cutaneous nerve injury was resolved spontaneously without specific treatment. Conclusion:Compared with freehand placement of cannulated screws, 3D-printed guide plate assisted placement of percutaneous placement has the advantages of shorter surgical time, fewer fluoroscopy times, lower reduction loss, better ankle joint function recovery, and less complications in treating Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures.

Biomechanical comparison of spatial weaving and conventional calcaneal plate fixation for calcaneal fracture / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the biomechanical characteristics of screw only spatial weaving fixation and calcaneal plate fixation in calcaneal fractures.Methods:Sanders type III calcaneus fracture model was established by using calcaneus model specimens: the physiological model group were the normal calcaneal models; the steel plate group were conventional steel plate fixation fracture models; the metal screw group were fracture models with only metal screw weaving fixation; seven and nine absorbable screw spatial weaving groups (seven absorbable screw group, nine absorbable screw group) were used to weave and fix fracture models with seven and nine absorbable screws. Cyclic test and mechanical compression test were carried out, and load-displacement curves were recorded. The material properties of metal screw spatial weaving and calcaneal anatomical plate system were replicated, finite element fracture models were established, and the calcaneal internal fixation models of plate screw group and spatial weaving screw group were completed by reverse processing. The changes of biomechanical characteristics of calcaneal bone in human (70 kg) standing on one foot were simulated, and the distribution of structural strength was analyzed by Von Mises equivalent stress cloud diagram and displacement cloud diagram.Results:In the cyclic test of 20-200 N load, the physiological model group, the plate group, the metal screw group, the absorbable 7 screw group, the absorbable 9 screw group were 0.87±0.22, 0.82±0.08, 0.70±0.12, 1.04±0.13 and 0.83±1.76 mm, the difference in model gap was statistically significant ( F=3.16, P=0.037). Among them, the absorbable 7 screws group was larger than the metal screws group ( t=4.28, P=0.003), and the other pin-two comparisons were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The deformation of the five groups was 0.37±0.06, 0.38±0.07, 0.38±0.06, 0.52±0.07 and 0.42±0.07 mm, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=4.39, P=0.010). The deformation of absorbable 7 screws group was greater than that of physiological model group, the plate group and metal screw group ( t=3.69, P=0.006; t=3.25, P=0.012; t=3.51, P=0.008). In static test, compression displacement was 7.14±0.79, 7.30±0.66, 6.95±0.28, 8.19±0.61 and 7.16±0.55 mm, the difference was statistically significant ( F=3.28, P=0.032). The displacement of the absorbable 7 screws group was greater than that of the metal screws group ( t=4.13, P=0.003). The stiffness changes were 570.60±122.62, 512.86±80.77, 497.40±66.50, 456.21±58.19 and 560.39±94.40 N/mm, respectively, with no statistical significance ( F=1.44, P=0.258). The results of finite element analysis showed that under 3 500 N axial pressure load, the maximum compression displacement and stiffness of the plate and screw set were 6.47 mm, 540.96 N/mm, and the Von Mises equivalent stress peaks were 450.31 and 353.15 MPa, respectively. The maximum compression displacement and stiffness of the braided screw group were 5.25 mm, 666.67 N/mm, and the peak Von Mises equivalent stress of the screw was 396.20 MPa. Conclusion:Compared with lateral plate fixation, spatial weaving fixation can provide sufficient biomechanical stability for calcaneal healing and is superior to plate fixation in terms of structural stability, which may help to improve the effectiveness of calcaneal fracture fixation.

Therapeutic effect of sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autologous iliac bone graft of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was peformed in 29 patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis treated with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft in the Xi′an Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi′an Jiaotong University from April 2013 to January 2020. There were 19 males and 10 females, with the age of (45.38±12.85) years, ranged from 22 to 67 years. The course of disease was (16.00±6.96) months, ranged from 6 to 36 months. The skin defect area was (41.9±15.9) cm 2, ranged from 11.8 to 86.8 cm 2. The causes of injury: 18 cases of high fall, 6 cases of traffic accidents, 3 cases of heavy rolling, the remaining 2 cases were machine strangulation and sharp stab wounds. The inflammatory markers [white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP)] and bone healing time were recorded before operation, 2, 4, 8 weeks and 6 months after operation. During the follow-up period, the flap texture, survival were observed, and the ankle-posterior foot function recovery was evaluated by the American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) score were observed before and after the operation, and the incidence of complications were recorded. The measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the t-test was used for inter-group comparison; the levels of WBC, ESR, PCT and CRP at different time points before and after operation were compared by repeated measurement ANOVA, and the LSD t-test was used for pairwise comparison. Results:All the 29 patients were followed up for (14.51±6.10) months, ranged from 6 to 30 months. All the flaps survived without abrasion, ulceration, or skin protrusion, and all patients could walk normally with shoes. There were 28 cases of stage I bone healing, with an average of (5.87±2.07) months, ranged from 3 to 12 months. The inflammatory indexes was significantly decreased at different time points after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 6 months and 8 weeks after operation ( P>0.05), while there was significant difference at other time points ( P<0.05). The ankle-posterior foot score of AOFAS at 6 months after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment (83.44±7.93 vs 55.37±8.07), the differences was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The clinical efficacy of foot function recovery was excellent in 12 cases, good in 15 cases and fair in 2 cases among 29 patients .The excellent and good rate was 93.1% (27/29). One patient recurred 1 month after operation and was re-implanted with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate mixed autogenous iliac bone after debridement, no recurrence was found. The total complication rate was 31.0%, but there was no significant impact on the patient's life in the later period. All patients returned to daily life and work. Conclusion:The treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft can effectively control infection, reconstruct calcaneal and soft tissue structure, promote functional recovery of affected limb, and ultimately improve the patient′s quality of life.

Analysis on Biomechanical Relationship Between Calcaneal Cyst Lesion Size and Pathological Fracture / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the relationship between lesion size of solitary bone cyst ( SBC) and pathological fracture of calcaneus, so as to provide references for the treatment of SBC. Methods The three dimensional (3D) finite element model of foot and ankle was established based on CT images. Four models with gradient spherical bone defects were constructed in the focal area to simulate different SBC lesion sizes, and the biomechanical characteristics of calcaneus in different gait phases were analyzed. Results With the increasement of SBC size, the kinematics of calcaneus did not change significantly, but the peak stress of calcaneus increased gradually. When the SBC size exceeded 75% of the calcaneal width, the stress in calcaneal sulcus and cortical bone below SBC increased by 1. 48 times and 7. 74 times, respectively. Conclusions The risk of pathological fracture increases when the SBC diameter exceeds 75% of the calcaneal width, and early surgical intervention should be recommended. The calcaneal sulcus and the cortex bone below SBC are stress concentration regions and can be used as important areas to evaluate pathological fractures.

Short-term effectiveness of calcaneal lateral displacement osteotomy with lateral ligament repair in treatment of Takakura stage Ⅱ varus-type ankle arthritis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the short-term effectiveness of calcaneal lateral displacement osteotomy with lateral ligament repair in the treatment of Takakura stage Ⅱ varus-type ankle arthritis.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 13 patients with Takakura stage Ⅱ varus-type ankle arthritis treated with calcaneal lateral displacement osteotomy with lateral ligament repair between January 2016 and December 2020. There were 6 males and 7 females aged 31-65 years, with an average age of 53.6 years. The preoperative tibial-ankle surface angle (TASA) was (88.13±1.01)°, medial distal tibial angle (MDTA) was (86.36±1.49)°, tibial talar surface angle (TTSA) was (6.03±1.63)°, talar tilting angle (TTA) was (81.95±2.15)°, and tibiocalcaneal axis angle (TCAA) was (-5.74±6.81)°. The preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 56.3±7.1 and the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 3.7±0.5. AOFAS scores, VAS scores, TTSA, TTA, and TCAA were compared between pre- and post-operatively.@*RESULTS@#All 13 patients were followed up 14-41 months, with an average of 28.7 months. The osteotomies healed in all patients. The last follow-up revealed TTA, TTSA, and TCAA to be (88.27±1.19)°, (-0.13±1.37)°, and (2.09±5.10)° respectively, the AOFAS score was 84.3±4.2 and the VAS score was 0.7±0.5, all showing significant improvement when compared to preoperative values ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#For patients with Takakura stage Ⅱ varus-type ankle arthritis, calcaneal lateral displacement osteotomy with lateral ligament repair can correct the lower limb force line, regain ankle stability, and achieving good short-term effectiveness.

Investigation of the relationship between foot deformities and radiographic measurements of the talus and calcaneus / Investigación de la relación entre las deformidades del pie y las mediciones radiográficas del talo y del calcáneo

SUMMARY: The weight of the body is transmitted to the foot through the subtalar joint and talus. Considering the important location of the talus and calcaneus, the morphological structures of these bones may affect the biomechanics of the subtalar joint. At the same time, the morphological structure of these bones is important in some common foot deformities. We aimed to investigate whether the various measurements of the talus and calcaneus are associated with different foot deformities in this study. In this study, radiography images of 158 (72 male and 86 female) patients within the mean age of 44 years were retrospectively examined. Eleven different measurements of the talus and calcaneus were obtained from the lateral and antero-posterior radiographs of the patients. A total of 158 patient's routine clinic radiographs were retrospectively assessed, which have calcaneal spur (n=63), hallux valgus (n=32) and control group (n=63). We determined that the body height of the calcaneus, maximum width of the head of the talus, minimum anterior width of the calcaneus were significantly different between calcaneal spur group and control group. Maximum length fibular malleolar facet of the talus was significantly different between age groups. And we determined that the calcaneal index was significantly different between hallux valgus group and control groups. Also all measurements were significantly different between males and females. As a result, some measurements that significantly determine the morphology of the talus and calcaneus were found to be significant between deformity groups and control groups. We think that our study will contribute to the literature as it is the first study in which the measurements obtained from the radiographic images of the talus and calcaneus are associated with foot deformities.

El peso del cuerpo se transmite al pie a través de la articulación subtalar y el talo. Teniendo en cuenta la importante ubicación del talo y el calcáneo, las estructuras morfológicas de estos huesos pueden afectar la biomecánica de la articulación subtalar. Al mismo tiempo, la estructura morfológica de estos huesos es importante en algunas deformidades comunes del pie. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar si las diversas medidas del talo y el calcáneo están asociadas con diferentes deformidades del pie en este estudio. Se examinaron retrospectivamente imágenes radiográficas de 158 pacientes (72 hombres y 86 mujeres) con una edad promedio de 44 años. Se obtuvieron once medidas diferentes del talo y el calcáneo a partir de las radiografías lateral y anteroposterior de los pacientes. Se evaluaron retrospectivamente un total de 158 radiografías clínicas de rutina de los pacientes, los cuales tenían espolón de calcáneo (n=63), hallux valgus (n=32) y grupo control (n=63). Determinamos que la altura del cuerpo del calcáneo, el ancho máximo de la cabeza del talo, el ancho anterior mínimo del calcáneo fueron significativamente diferentes entre el grupo con espolón calcáneo y el grupo control. La longitud máxima de la faceta maleolar fíbular del talo era significativamente diferente entre los grupos de edad. También determinamos que el índice calcáneo fue significativamente diferente entre el grupo de hallux valgus y los grupos controles. Además, todas las medidas fueron significativamente diferentes entre hombres y mujeres. Como resultado, algunas medidas que determinan la morfología del talo y el calcáneo resultaron significativas entre los grupos de deformidad y los grupos controles. Estimamos que nuestro estudio contribuirá a la literatura debido a que es el primer reporte en el que las medidas obtenidas de las imágenes radiográficas del talo y el calcáneo se asocian con deformidades del pie.

Osteotomía lateral de calcáneo en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Müller-Weiss / Lateral osteotomy of the calcaneus in the treatment of Müller-Weiss disease

Resumen: Introducción: La afección deformante del hueso navicular conocida como enfermedad de Müller-Weiss (EMW) es una enfermedad rara. Los pacientes presentan dolor crónico en la articulación talonavicular y un pie plano paradójico con retropié varo. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados clínicos de la osteotomía valguizante de calcáneo aplicada a pacientes con EMW. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, realizado en dos centros hospitalarios. La serie consta de nueve casos en ocho pacientes, todos ellos con enfermedad de Müller-Weiss sintomática, fueron tratados mediante osteotomía valguizante de calcáneo entre 2012 y 2017, con un seguimiento medio de cuatro años (dos a seis). La edad media fue de 62 años (50-75). En todos los pacientes se midieron los ángulos de Costa-Bartani (CB), el ángulo de Kite y la inclinación calcánea (IC). Además, se utilizó la escala Manchester Oxford (MO) para medir la satisfacción postquirúrgica de los pacientes. Resultados: Todos los pacientes refieren haber mejorado en su dolor, obteniendo una puntuación postoperatoria media de 32.54 puntos (15.62-53.75) en la escala Manchester Oxford. En 66% de los pacientes el ángulo CB mejoró, al igual que en el ángulo de Kite en 89% y la IC en 33%. Conclusión: La mejoría en el dolor de los pacientes de nuestra serie no está acompañada por cambios radiológicos en la misma proporción, es una técnica sencilla y sin complicaciones en nuestro seguimiento.

Abstract: Introduction: The deforming condition of the navicular bone known as Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) is a rare disease. Patients present with chronic pain in the talonavicular joint and a paradoxical flat foot with a varo hindfoot. Objective: To analyze the clinical results of a lateral osteotomy of calcaneus applied to patients with MWD. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study carried out in two hospitals. The series consists of nine cases in eight patients, all of them with symptomatic Müller-Weiss disease, treated by lateral osteotomy of the calcaneus between 2012 and 2017, obtaining an average follow-up of 4 years (2-6). The mean age was 62 years (50-75). In all patients, Costa-Bartani angles (CB), Kite angle and Calcaneal Inclination (CI) were measured. In addition, the Manchester Oxford Scale (MO) to measure the post-surgical satisfaction of patients. Results: All patients report having improved their pain by obtaining a postoperative score on the mean Manchester Oxford scale of 32.54 points (15.62-53.75). In 66% of patients the CB angle improves, the Kite angle in 89% and the CI in 33%. Conclusion: The improvement in the pain of the patients in our series is not accompanied by radiological changes in the same proportion, it is a simple and uncomplicated technique in our follow-up.

Combined medial and lateral approach for the treatment of calcaneal fractures with sustentaculum tali fracture and/or dislocation of sustentaculum tali-talus joint / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical effects of combined medial and lateral approaches in treating of calcaneal fractures combined with sustentaculum tali fractures and/or dislocations of sustentaculum tali-talus joint.Methods:Four adult cadaver specimens (8 feet) were selected, of which two (4 feet) were dissected on the medial side of the calcaneus to observe the adjacency and exposure range of sustentaculum tali. The other two specimens were simulated as medial and lateral approaches to reduce and fix calcaneal fractures. Retrospective analysis of 9 cases (9 feet) of Sanders II-IV type calcaneal fractures with combined medial and lateral approaches in the treatment of fractures and/or dislocations of sustentaculum tali-talus joint was performed. The average age was 49.9±11.3 (25-58) years. During the operation, the medial incision was made first, and the sustentaculum tali fracture was temporarily reduced and fixed to the talus. Then the lateral incision was made to expose the lateral side of the calcaneus, and the fracture fragments were reduced and fixed; the sustentaculum tali was fixed laterally with screws, and 2 cases were additionally fixed medially with absorbable rods. At the same time, six cases (8 feet) of calcaneal fractures with sustentaculum tali fractures and/or dislocations of sustentaculum tali-talus were treated with lateral approach as a control group. The lateral sides of both groups were fixed with calcaneal locking plate and implanted with demineralized bone matrix into the cavity after articular surface reduction. The B?hler and Gissane angles of the two groups of patients were measured at 1 year after operation. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results:The sustentaculum tali-talus joint had a shape of an inverted "V" with two divided parts. The tip of the sustentaculum tali was exposed through the front window of the posterior tibial tendon. The sustentaculum tali and the medial side of the calcaneal body was completely exposed and fixed through the window between the posterior tibial tendon and the flexor digitorum longus tendon. The postoperative incision blood loss in the combined medial and lateral approach group was 73.6±4.3 ml, which was greater than that in the lateral approach group (70.6±7.1 ml) ( t=2.18, P=0.045). The lateral incision healed in both groups. The medial incision healed delayed in 1 patient in the combined medial and lateral approach group. The fractures in the combined medial-lateral approach group and the lateral approach group were both healed. The healing duration was 12.2±2.1 weeks and 12.8±2.8 weeks, respectively, without significant difference ( t=0.50, P=0.622). The B?hler angles of the combined medial-lateral approach group and the lateral approach group were 37.0°±5.7° and 27.9°±4.0° at 1 year after operation, respectively. These values were greater than the preoperative values of 4.7°±3.4° and 3.9°±2.9° ( P<0.05), with significant difference between groups ( t=3.76, P=0.002). The Gissane angles were 133.2°±9.8° and 139.1°±9.4° respectively, which were lower than those of 172°±7.3° and 175.6°±5.6° before operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups ( t=1.26, P=0.226). The AOFAS score of the combined medial and lateral approach group was 93.6±4.0 points, which was higher than that of the lateral approach group (84.3±8.2 points) ( t=3.03, P=0.008). Conclusion:Intra-articular calcaneal fractures combined with a high probability of sustentaculum tali fractures and/or dislocations of sustentaculum tali-talus joint. Compared with the simple lateral approach, the use of the combined medial-lateral approach and the medial-lateral surgical sequence is beneficial to restore the calcaneal alignment and anatomic shape, especially the alignment relationship of the medial calcaneus and talus, so as to obstain better early clinical outcomes.

Close reduction and internal fixation assisted by a 3D printed guide plate for Sanders type Ⅱ calcaneal fracture / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare minimally invasive treatment with versus without a 3D printed guide plate for Sanders type Ⅱ calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was done of the 74 patients with Sanders type Ⅱ displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture who had been treated at Foot and Ankle Surgery Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2018 to January 2020. They were divided into 2 groups according to whether a 3D printed guide plate was used or not. In the 3D printing group of 38 patients treated by minimally invasive surgery assisted by a 3D printed guide plate, there were 22 males and 16 females with an age of (41.5±3.5) years; in the control group of 36 patients treated by traditional minimally invasive surgery, there were 24 males and 12 females with an age of (40.3±7.2) years. The 2 groups were compared in terms of operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form 36 (SF-36), B?hler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal length, width and height and postoperative complications.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative demographic data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability between groups ( P>0.05). All patients were available for a follow-up of (12.6±3.6) months (from 6 to 24 months) after surgery. The operation time [(55.3±7.1) min] and intraoperative fluoroscopy [(8.1±2.6) times] in the 3D printing group were significantly less than those in the control group [(71.2±8.7) min and (21.2±8.7) times] ( P<0.01) while the AOFAS score in the former group (81.4±6.3) was significantly higher than that in the latter (77.9±6.2) ( P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in VAS, SF-36, B?hler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal length, calcaneal width or calcaneus height ( P>0.05). In the control group, 4 screws were found to be too long with possible impingement on the medial structures of the foot, and 3 screws to penetrate the subtalar joint; in the 3D printing group, there were no too long or off-target screws in the sustentaculum tali. Conclusion:The minimally invasive treatment of Sanders type Ⅱ calcaneal fractures assisted by a 3D printing guide plate can reduce operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy and potential complications, improving the clinical efficacy.

Treatment of Sanders Ⅱ & Ⅲ calcaneal fractures with an absorbable stick plus Kirschner wire through the tarsal sinus incision / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of treatment of Sanders Ⅱ & Ⅲ calcaneal fractures with an absorbable stick plus Kirschner wire through the tarsal sinus incision.Methods:From July 2017 to May 2020, 37 patients with 42 Sanders Ⅱ & Ⅲ calcaneal fractures were treated with an absorbable stick plus Kirschner wire through the tarsal sinus incision at The Third Ward of Department of Traumatic Orthopeadics, The Sixth Hospital of Ningbo. There were 25 males and 12 females, with an age of (48.2±5.6) years (from 20 to 69 years). The fractures were at the left side in 12 cases, at the right side in 20 and at bilateral sides in 5. By Sanders classification, 20 fractures were type Ⅱ and 22 ones type Ⅲ. Fracture union time and complications were recorded. Their B?hler and Gissane angles were compared between preoperation, postoperation and the last follow-up. The range of motion of the subtalar joint was evaluated by the Morrey method at 6 months postoperation. The functional recovery was evaluated by the American Society of Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score at 12 months postoperation.Results:The 37 patients were followed up for (15.2±2.7) months (from 13 to 18 months). There were no such complications as incision skin necrosis, Kirschner wire deformation, loss of fracture reduction or Kirschner wire infection. The anatomical morphology of the calcaneus was restored satisfactorily in the 37 patients. At preoperation, postoperation and the last follow-up, the B?hler angles were 13.3°±1.6°, 32.5°±5.5° and 32.7°±5.4° and the Gissane angles 78.3°±6.7°, 127.2°±6.7° and 128.0°±6.4°, respectively, showing significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative values ( P<0.05) but no significant differences between postoperation and the last follow-up ( P>0.05). The range of motion of the subtalar joint at 6 months postoperation was slightly limited in 25 cases and moderately limited in 12 cases, giving a rate of moderate and above limitation of 32.4% (12/37). By the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score at 12 months postoperation, 12 cases were excellent, 21 ones good and 4 ones fair, giving a good to excellent rate of 89.2% (33/37). Conclusion:Treatment with an absorbable stick plus Kirschner wire through the tarsal sinus incision may lead to fine clinical efficacy for Sanders Ⅱ & Ⅲ calcaneal fractures.

Application of corrective calcaneal osteotomy in treatment of malunited calcaneal fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Malunion is a common complication following a calcaneal fracture which was not treated or treated inappropriately.It is a therapeutic target and a great challenge as well to relieve pain, correct deformity and restore the function of the affected foot in clinical treatment of calcaneal malunion. As a result of researches by scholars at home and abroad focusing on the biomechanical mechanisms underlying the symptoms caused by calcaneal malunion, a variety of corrective calcaneal osteotomy has been widely applied in clinical practice to specifically correct the calcaneal deformity and restore normal calcaneal morphology. This review expounds on the techniques, outcomes, indications and complications of corrective calcaneal osteotomies commonly used in clinic.

An applied research on precise sustentacular screw placement based on anatomical division of the anterior lateral wall of calcaneus and the sustentaculum tali / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate our novel path based on anatomical division of the anterior lateral wall of calcaneus and the sustentaculum tali for precise sustentacular screw placement in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures of Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ.Methods:The anterior lateral wall of the calcaneus was divided into the anterior-superior zone S 1, the anterior-inferior zone S 2, the posterior-superior zone S 3 and the posterior-inferior zone S 4 for demarcation of the screw insertion points by our method of Four Zones, and into the front, middle and rear sections by our method of Three Sections for demarcation of the screw target points. The specimens were scanned by CT and modeled by Mimics. On the 3D virtual model of the calcaneus, one screw was placed from each zone of the anterior lateral wall of the calcaneus to the sustentaculum tali body. The screw placement target for S 1 and S 2 was the medial intersection point P 1 of the front and middle sections of the sustentaculum tali, and that for S 3 and S 4 was the medial intersection point P 2 of the middle and rear sections of the sustentaculum tali. It was observed whether the screws were placed in the bone channel. A total of 72 patients were included who had been admitted to Department of Orthopaedics, Suqian Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University for calcaneal fractures of Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ from January 2017 to January 2021. They were divided into an anatomical division group and a 3D printing group according to their screw placement method for the sustentaculum tali. In the anatomical division group of 32 patients subjected to screw placement based on our anatomical division, there were 25 males and 7 females, aged from 24 to 60 years; in the 3D printing group of 40 patients subjected to screw placement assisted by 3D printing, there were 31 males and 9 females, aged from 25 to 58 years. The disparities between the parameters of sustentacular screw placement and the actual values were compared in the anatomical division group, and the total number of screws, screws on average, distribution of screws, and accuracy of screw placement were compared between the 2 groups. Results:All the screws which were virtually placed in the specimens of the calcaneus from S 1 and S 2 to P 1 and from S 3 and S 4 to P 2 passed through the bony channel, with no perforation into the tarsal sinus. There was no significant difference in the general date between the anatomical division group and the 3D printing group, showing they were comparable ( P > 0.05). In the anatomical division group, a total of 52 screws were placed to the sustentaculum tali with an average of (1.63 ± 0.48) screws per patient, and 2 screws were placed in 20 patients, yielding an accuracy rate of screw placement of 92.3% (48/52). There were no statistically significant differences between the parameters and the actual values of screw placement in the anatomical division group ( P > 0.05). In the 3D printing group, a total of 63 screws were placed to the sustentaculum tali with an average of (1.58 ± 0.49) screws per patient, and 2 screws were placed in 23 patients, yielding an accuracy rate of screw placement of 93.7% (59/63). There were no significant differences in the above comparisons between the anatomical division group and the 3D printing group ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:In the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures of Sanders types Ⅱ and Ⅲ, the sustentacular screw placement based on our anatomical division of the anterior lateral wall of the calcaneus and the sustentaculum tali can lead to similar clinical accuracy as 3D printing-assisted screw placement does.

3D printing-assisted percutaneous balloon dilatation plasty for treatment of osteoporotic calcaneal fractures of Sanders type Ⅱ or Ⅲ in the elderly patients / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy between 3D printing-assisted percutaneous balloon dilatation calcaneal plasty (3D-PCP) and conventional open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via the extended lateral L-shaped approach in the treatment of osteoporotic calcaneal fractures of Sanders type Ⅱ or Ⅲ in the elderly patients.Methods:Retrospectively analyzed were the data of 36 elderly patients with osteoporotic calcaneal fracture of Sanders type Ⅱ or Ⅲ who had been surgically treated at Department of Orthopaedics, Yixing People's Hospital from June 2012 to June 2018. According to their treatment methods, the patients were divided into a 3D-PCP group [16 cases, 9 males and 7 females with an age of (73.0 ± 3.4) years] and an ORIF group [20 cases, 8 females and 12 females with an age of (71.4 ± 2.6) years]. The 2 groups were compared in terms of hospital stay, operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, suture removal time, weight bearing time, fracture healing time, visual analogue scale (VAS) for the surgical site 2 days and one year after surgery, American Foot and Ankle Surgery Association (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, calcaneal imaging parameters (B?hler angle, Gissane angle, and length, width and height of the calcaneus axis) at 2 days and one year after surgery, and postoperative complications.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P > 0.05). All patients were followed up for 14 to 18 months (mean, 15.6 months). Compared with the ORIF group, the 3D-PCP group had significantly shorter hospital stay, significantly shorter operation time, significantly earlier suture removal, significantly earlier weight-bearing, significantly lower VAS scores at 2 days after surgery, significantly higher AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores at one month after surgery, but significantly more times of intraoperative fluoroscopy (all P < 0.05). In all patients, the VAS scores at 2 days after surgery were significantly lower than those before surgery, and those at one year after surgery significantly lower than those at 2 days after surgery ( P < 0.05). In all patients, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores at one month after surgery were significantly higher than those before surgery ( P < 0.001). In the ORIF group, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores at one year after surgery were significantly higher than those at one month after surgery ( P < 0.05), but in the 3D-PCP group there was no such a significant difference between one year and one month after surgery ( P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS score, AOFAS score, fracture healing time or postoperative imaging parameters between the 2 groups at one year after surgery ( P > 0.05). There was no significant difference either in the incidence of complications between the 2 groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of osteoporotic calcaneal fractures of Sanders type Ⅱ or Ⅲ in the elderly patients, compared with conventional ORIF, 3D-PCP shows advantages of shorter operation time, minimal invasion, quicker incision healing, shorter hospital stay, earlier weight-bearing exercise, and better functional recovery but a disadvantage of increased times of intraoperative fluoroscopy.

Comparison of percutaneous cannulated screw fixation and plating via minimally invasive longitudinal approach after closed reduction in treatment of intra-articular tongue-type calcaneal fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare percutaneous cannulated screw (PCS) fixation and plating via a minimally invasive longitudinal approach (MILA) after closed reduction for the treatment of intra-articular tongue-type calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 67 patients with intra-articular tongue-type calcaneal fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopedics, The Third Hospital of Peking University from May 2017 to May 2020. They were 56 males and 11 females, 19 to 58 years of age (average, 34.5 years). Of them, 32 were treated by the PCS fixation after closed reduction (PCS group) and 35 by the MILA plating after closed reduction (MILA group). The operation time, preoperative time, post-operative hospital stay, blood loss and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. The calcaneal length, width and height, Gissane angle, B?hler angle, varus angle, valgus angle and visual analog scale (VAS) were compared between the 2 groups at preoperation, immediate postoperation, 3 months postoperation, and the last follow-up. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was used at 3 months postoperation and the last follow-up to evaluate the function of the injured hindfoot.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the PCS group and the MILA group, showing they were comparable ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for an average of 18.5 months (from 15 to 25 months). For the PCS group and the MILA group, respectively, the operation time was 60.5 (51.5, 68.0) min and 86.0 (78.0, 96.0) min, the blood loss 10 (5.0, 20.0) mL and 20 (15, 25) mL, the postoperative hospital stay 1 (1.0, 1.8) d and 2 (2, 3) d, the calcaneal width at immediate postoperation (43.8±4.4) mm and (40.6±2.8) mm, the calcaneal width at 3 months postoperation 43.8 (39.6, 48.3) mm and 41.5 (38.8, 44.5) mm, the calcaneal width at the last follow-up 44.2 (40.2, 48.0) mm and 41.3 (39.0, 44.3) mm, the VAS at the last follow-up 5.0 (5.0, 5.0) and 6.0 (5.0, 6.0). The comparisons of the above items showed significant differences between the 2 groups (all P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in the calcaneal length or height, Gissane or B?hler angle, AOFAS hindfoot score, or complication rate (all P>0.05). Conclusions:In the treatment of tongue-type calcaneal fractures, after closed reduction, the PCS fixation can shorten operation time and postoperative hospital stay, and reduce intraoperative blood loss and postoperative pain, but the MILA plating is more advantageous in restoring the calcaneal width.

A novel skin-stretching device for skin-soft tissue defects and bone exposure after internal fixation of calcaneal fracture / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of a novel self-designed skin-stretching device for skin-soft tissue defects and bone exposure after internal fixation of calcaneal fracture.Methods:From July 2018 to January 2021, 9 patients were treated at Orthopedic Hospital, Southeast Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University for skin-soft tissue defects and bone exposure after internal fixation of calcaneal fracture. They were 6 males and 3 females, aged from 19 to 61 years (mean, 42.6 years). The interval between their initial internal fixation and the present operation ranged from 14 to 75 days (average, 47.3 days). Of them, one developed wound dehiscence due to fat liquefaction, 2 necrosis of skin and soft tissue along the wound edges, and 6 incision infection. Their fusiform skin and soft tissue defects had formed after routine expansion of the wound, with an area of 5.0 cm×2.0 cm to 7.0 cm×3.5 cm, and all their wounds were positive by Pinch test. After a Kirschner wire with a diameter of 2.0 was placed on both sides of the wound, our novel self-designed skin-stretching device was installed. Intraoperatively, depending on the soft tissue conditions on both sides, the wound was closed acutely by about 5 mm in width. The threaded rod of the skin-stretching device was adjusted every day after operation to gradually reduce the wound surface until the wound edge was closed and sutured without tension. During wound stretch, the visual analogue scale (VAS), wound approaching time, stretch speed, wound healing time, complications and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) for the wound scar at the last follow-up were recorded.Results:All the 9 patients were followed up for 8 to 18 months (average, 12.5 months). The wounds were successfully closed in all the patients. The time for wound closure (till the suture) ranged from 8 to 15 d, averaging 12.1 d; the stretch rate from 1 to 3 mm/d, averaging 2 mm/d; the time for complete wound healing (to the suture removal) from 22 to 30 d, averaging 26.8 d; the VAS score during the stretch from 3 to 7 points, averaging 4.9 points; the VSS score from 2 to 7 points, averaging 4.1 points. There was no recurrence of surgical site infection, skin re-necrosis or reoperation in the patients.Conclusions:In the treatment of skin-soft tissue defects and bone exposure caused by various reasons after internal fixation of calcaneal fracture, our novel self-designed skin-stretching device is an effective in situ wound repair instrument, showing advantages of simple operation, less trauma and high safety. It is suggested that the stretch speed should average 2 mm/d, which is well tolerated by patients.