Characteristics and surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures in aged patients / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

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.