Anatomical study of compartment syndrome of foot after calcanealintar-articular fractures / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the anatomical character of compartment syndrome of foot after calcaneal intra-articaular by experimental model. MethodSix intact human cadaver lower extremities were used to produce calcaneal intra-articular fracture models, fracture patterns of the model were observed with radiographical technique, and anatomical study was proceeded to observe the fractures and their effects on soft tissues and compartments in foot.ResultAll specimens were sustained calcaneal intra-articular fractures successfully, 4 were joint depression fracture in x-ray, 2 were tongue type; 3 were Sander Ⅱ type and others were Sander Ⅲ type in CT. the primary fracture line coursed from anterolateral to posteromedial, and from anterosuperior to posteroinferior. It damaged all the soft tissue arosed from fractures medially and laterally, included adductor hallucis,quadratus plantae, flexor digitorum brevis and abductor digiti minimi as well.ConclusionFrom anatomical view, soft tissues of many compartments in foot rather than of simple compartmen are injuried when calcaneal intra-articular fractures occur, decompressive fasciotomies should be performed in all compartments involved. The present experimental protocol is useful to reproduce calcaneal intra-articular fractures.