RESUMO
Objective To evaluate the effect of open reduction and internal fixation in treatment of calcaneal fractures in aged patients. Methods Between January 1997 and June 2007,37 patients (41 fractures)at a mean age of68.3 years(60-78 years)with calcaneal fractures underwent surgical operations.According to Sanders classification based on CT scanning.14 fractures were rated as typeⅡ,18 as type Ⅲ and 9 as type Ⅳ.Of all,5 fractures were treated with reconstruction plate,18 with shapeable titanic plate,4 with Y-shaped plate,12 Depuy titanic plate and 2 with AO locking titanic plate plus open reduction and internal fixation.The foot function was evaluated by X-ray,American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)Score and Maryland Foot Score. Results A total of 27 patients (60.9%)with 31 fractures were followed up for 12-48 months(average 27.6 months),which showed that all fractures were healed,with morphous improvement of the calcanus determined by 8 parameters measured in X-ray films.The average active range of motion was 36°of plantar flexion,12°of dorsiflexion,15°of inversion,and 10°of eversion.According to Maryland Foot Score,functional foot score was excellent(90-100 points)in 16 fractures,good(75-89 points)in 13 and fair(50-74 points)in 2,with excellence rate of 94%(29/31). Conclusion Open reduction and intemal fixation can gain good clinical result in severe calcaneal fractures in aged patients with obvious dislocation of posterior articular facet.