RESUMEN
Objective To observe the treatment effect of internal fixation with absorbable suture anchors for calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's disease). Methods The clinical data of 34 Sever's disease patients having received internal fixation with absorbable suture anchors from January 2010 to August 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Of the 34 patients, 28 were male and 6 were female, aged from 11 to 30 years old (mean 19 years old); 20 with unilateral lesions, 14 with bilateral lesions; 32 suffered inflammatory edema, and 2 with epiphyseal avulsion. All of the patients were diagnosed as suffering from Sever's disease by X-ray combined with clinical symptoms. The sclerotic bone was chiseled off, the attachment site of Achilles tendon was fixed with auxiliary sutures of anchors and then fixed to the bone surface. Different rehabilitation programs were adapted in different periods after operation. The operation time, the site of anchorage and perioperative complications were analyzed, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated by Arner-Lindholm standard. Results All patients were followed up for 2-24 months (mean 9 months). The average operation time for one side was 40.5 minutes. No iatrogenic injury to nerve, vascular or tendon occurred during surgical procedure. No wound infection or foreign-body reaction was found after operation. The therapeutic effects evaluated by Arner-Lindholm standard were excellent in 29 cases, good in 4 and bad in 1 case. Conclusion Absorbable suture anchoring fixation is a reasonable and effective method for the treatment of Sever's disease, and it allows early exercise training for recovery of ankle function. The postoperative functional recovery is found to be satisfactory.