Arthrodesis of the Ankle.

About 90 % of all cases of painful posttraumatic ankle arthritis can be very successfully treated with a minor invasive ankle arthrodesis technique by using a small anterior approach and a fixation with four 6. 5 mm screws of which the posteromedial and transfibular one are inserted percutaneously. The results with this standardized procedure have been reported previously as excellent and good in a mid-term run of 6 years (34). This technique leads to a high union rate of 99% (92 of 93) with rapid bone healing within 8 ± 2 weeks, it causes a low minor complication rate of 8 % and enables a significant increase of the AOFAS ankle/hindfoot score (17) from 36 preoperatively to 85 postoperatively as well as a midtarsal movement of 24° ± 16°. In some cases of ankle arthritis due to chronic syndesmotic instability a 5th screw is additionally used to compress the reamed espace claire for regaining a stable ankle fork. A 5th screw is used also in case of necessary shortening of the fibula or in cases of idiopathic ankle arthritis with gross varus deformity when a transfibular approach becomes necessary instead of the anterior approach. About 10% of ankle arthrodesis need different procedures like in cases of malunited ankle or pilon fractures with low grade infection, larger bony defects due to resection of necrotic bone, due to primary bone loss in open fractures or due to secondary bone loss in failed ankle replacement cases. They need usually a two stage procedure with primary debridement and temporary joint transfixation and secondary anterior double plate fixation with autogenous bone grafting. In case of critical anterior soft tissues a posterolateral approach with a bladeplate-fixation is performed. In the very rare cases of severe ankle infection a three stage procedure is recommended with a radical necrectomy of infected soft tissues or dead bone and/or combined with taking biopsies, filling the defects with Gentamycin-PMMA- beads and stabilizing the reamed joint with a threaded compression Charnley fixator in the first stage. A re-debridement in the second stage might need additionally a permanent lavage with sensitive antibiotics according to the probes and in the third stage a third debridement with finally autogeneous bonegrafting is done. Key words: ankle arthrodesis, anterior, posterolateral, transfibular ankle approach, 4- to 5-screw fixation technique, double plate fixation, autogeneous bonegrafting, Charnley compression fixator.

[Consequences of the Foundation of a University Centre for Orthopaedics and Accident Surgery]. / Effekte der Gründung eines UniversitätsCentrums für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie.

Background: Since the combination of orthopaedic and traumatology surgery as a single speciality, an extremely wide variety of orthopaedic and trauma surgery centres have been founded in Germany. The present investigation analysed the degree to which additional value has been generated by merging two previously independent university departments - one for orthopaedics, the other for trauma surgery - into a single orthopaedics and trauma surgery centre. Material and Methods: The centre, merged in 1 June 2013, is led by two equal co-chairs (a full professor for orthopaedics and a full professor for trauma surgery). It consists of an acute division and five other divisions for specific parts of the body. The pre-existing certifications (level 1 trauma- and joint arthroplasty centre) were maintained in the new merged entity. Data from patient and employee questionnaires, as well as key economic indicators, were compared before and after the merger. Results: 11 % of the patients rated the medical treatment as mediocre or bad before the merger. After the merger, 5.7 % of the patients were moderately satisfied or unsatisfied; 92 % would recommend the merged centre to others and would return for further treatment. The evaluation of patient complaints before and after the merger showed no change. The evaluation of the employee questionnaires showed heterogeneous results. Overall, positive evaluations predominated, but in areas where there had been major changes, negative aspects were occasionally reported. The merger did not bring about any essential change in the number of in-patients (2012: 6693; 2014: 6649) or in the severity of the medical cases (CMI in 2012: 1.41; in 2014: 1.45). But in 2015, there was an increase in the number of in-patients (6837) and in the CMI (1.54). In the out-patient clinic, the merger led to a reduction in the material costs per patient (2012: 3.53 €/patient; 2014: 3.07 €/patient) and in the staff costs. The material costs for the entire centre were also reduced by 14 %. Conclusion: By merging the university orthopaedic and trauma surgery centres, transdisciplinary and transdepartmental improvements in patient care were achieved for musculoskeletal illnesses and injuries, and a sustainable structure was established for the advanced training for the joint specialist title of orthopaedics and trauma surgery. The merger also led to additional economic synergies, with a mid-term potential for increases in the number of patients and in CMI. To improve or at least maintain the level of employee satisfaction, staff must be actively included in the process.

[Internal circular arc osteosynthesis of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis]. / Die innere Kreisbogen-Osteosynthese der tibio-talo-calcanealen Arthrodese.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis has recently become more popular as a form of reconstructive surgery. The precise anatomical orientation and the functional extrinsic musculature of the hindfoot are essential for a satisfactory result. Fixation of the arthrodesis is a mechanical problem. Straight and angulated nails are not anatomically or mechanically ideal. A circular arc nail can fix the tibia, the talus and the calcaneus in anatomical alignment. This is a pure "bone nail", in contrast to the "intramedullary nail," which is driven through an existing opening in long bones. The nail is driven through a circular arc-shaped opening in the bone, which results in optimal form-fit between nail and bone. A corresponding aiming device permits the precise shaping of the bone tunnel, which follows the orientation of the bone trabeculae. The instrumentation was applied in 11 cases, with the following indications: post-traumatic conditions, congenital deformities, chronic polyarthritis and diabetic Charcot arthropathy. The desired alignment of the hindfoot is not affected while the nail is being introduced. The fixation achieves primary stability thus allowing for early functional treatment.

[Treatment of calcaneal fractures with a locking nail (C-Nail)]. / Versorgung des Fersenbeinbruchs mit einem Verriegelungsnagel (C-Nail).

OBJECTIVE: Anatomic reconstruction of the posterior facet by primary stabilization of the calcaneal fracture with a locking nail. INDICATIONS: All intraarticular calcaneal fractures and unstable two-part fractures independent of the degree of closed/open soft tissue trauma. CONTRAINDICATIONS: High perioperative risk, soft tissue infection, beak fracture (type II fracture) and still open apophysis. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Anatomic reduction of the posterior facet using a sinus tarsi approach. Reduction and temporary fixation of the sustentacular, tuberosity, and anterior process fragments with 1.8-2.0 mm Kirschner wires. Thereafter, the C-Nail (calcaneus nail) is introduced with its guiding device stabilizing the sustentacular, tuberostity, and anterior process fragments through its three guiding arms with 6 or 7 locking screws. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Passive and active motion starts on postoperative day 2. Lymph drains help reduce swelling. Partial weightbearing with 20 kg for 6-8 weeks in the patient's own shoes is recommended. X­ray controls are done at 4 and 8 weeks as well as after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 107 calcaneal fractures treated with the C-Nail between 2011 and 2014 were evaluated according to the AOFAS score 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The measured values were on average 93.0 (range 65-100) points at 6 months and 94.1 (range 75-100) points 12 months after the surgery. Böhler's angle with initial traumatic values of 6.2° (-30 to +13°) improved postoperatively to 31.8°, after 3 months slightly decreased to 29.6°, and after 12 months to 28.3°. There were 2 cases of superficial wound necrosis (1.9 %) and 1 case a deep infection (0.93 %) with need of early C-Nail removal.

[Prevention of bicycle accidents]. / Prävention von Fahrradfahrerunfällen.

For a very precise analysis of all injured bicyclists in Germany it would be important to have definitions for "severely injured", "seriously injured" and "critically injured". By this, e.g., two-thirds of surgically treated bicyclists who are not registered by the police could become available for a general analysis. Elderly bicyclists (> 60 years) are a minority (10 %) but represent a majority (50 %) of all fatalities. They profit most by wearing a helmet and would be less injured by using special bicycle bags, switching on their hearing aids and following all traffic rules. E-bikes are used more and more (145 % more in 2012 vs. 2011) with 600,000 at the end of 2011 and are increasingly involved in accidents but still have a lack of legislation. So even for pedelecs 45 with 500 W and a possible speed of 45 km/h there is still no legislative demand for the use of a protecting helmet. 96 % of all injured cyclists in Germany had more than 0.5 ‰ alcohol in their blood, 86 % more than 1.1 ‰ and 59 % more than 1.7 ‰. Fatalities are seen in 24.2 % of cases without any collision partner. Therefore the ADFC calls for a limit of 1.1 ‰. Some virtual studies conclude that integrated sensors in bicycle helmets which would interact with sensors in cars could prevent collisions or reduce the severity of injury by stopping the cars automatically. Integrated sensors in cars with opening angles of 180° enable about 93 % of all bicyclists to be detected leading to a high rate of injury avoidance and/or mitigation. Hanging lamps reduce with 35 % significantly bicycle accidents for children, traffic education for children and special trainings for elderly bicyclists are also recommended as prevention tools. As long as helmet use for bicyclists in Germany rates only 9 % on average and legislative orders for using a helmet will not be in force in the near future, coming up campaigns seem to be necessary to be promoted by the Deutscher Verkehrssicherheitsrat as, e.g., "Helmets are cool". Also, spots in TV should be broadcasted like "The 7th sense" or "Traffic compass", which were warning car drivers many years ago of moments of danger but now they could be used to warn bicyclists of life-threatening situations in traffic.

[Hindfoot fusion for Charcot osteoarthropathy with a curved retrograde nail]. / Rückfußarthrodese beim Charcot-Fuß mit retrogradem Nagel.

BACKGROUND: Charcot osteoarthropathy of the hindfoot with considerable dislocation and instability represents a therapeutic dilemma. The treatment goal is a plantigrade, stable foot that is free of infection and ulceration with the ability to ambulate in special footwear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 6 years, we performed 23 hindfoot fusions in 21 patients with manifest Charcot arthropathy with the help of a curved retrograde nail (HAN). All patients suffered from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with polyneuropathy; 12 patients had additional peripheral vasculopathy. An average of 3.5 previous surgeries had been performed prior to hindfoot fusion. RESULTS: Complete tibiotalocalcaneal fusion was obtained in 16 of 21 patients (76 %). Of these 21 patients, 18 (86 %) were followed clinically and radiologically for an average of 2 years. Overall, 16 patients (89 %) reported a substantial subjective improvement compared to the preoperative state. Hardware failure occurred in 7 cases (30 %) that could be brought to consolidation with exchange of the locking bolts or the complete nail. In 5 cases (22 %), a postoperative hematoma had to be removed and in 8 cases (35 %) wound edge necrosis was treated with local wound care. In 2 cases (9 %), a secondary or reactivated osteitis occurred that finally required below knee amputation. CONCLUSION: Tibiotalocalcaneal fusion with a curved retrograde intramedullary nail (HAN) is an effective treatment option in highly unstable and deforming Charcot osteoarthropathy of the hindfoot. It is an alternative to external or other internal fixation methods and helps to avoid below knee amputation in more than 90 % of cases.

[Elective and acute procedures in trauma surgery. Complications requiring revision]. / Elektive und akute Eingriffe in der Unfallchirurgie. Revisionspflichtige Komplikationen.

BACKGROUND: Using data between 2010 and 31 March 2012, a cohort study concerning complications of all discharged patients who had undergone surgery was performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In our detailed analysis, we defined two groups out of the 5,248 cases: an acute trauma patient group (n = 3,942) and an elective patient group (n = 1,306). Complications were divided into the following groups: (1) technical complications (failure of the implant, poor indication, instability or non-union), (2) local complication (hematoma or delayed wound healing), and (3) infection. RESULTS: In 4.4% of patients (n = 233), treatment was delayed because of a complication. In 2.3% (n = 123), a technical complication was observed, followed by local complications in 1.3% [e.g., hematoma 0.6%, other wound healing disturbance (0.6%)]. In the elective surgery group, the percentage of complications needing revision (3.1%) was significantly lower compared to the trauma surgery group (4.9%). The patient's age for the non-complicated surgery group was significantly lower (54 vs. 63 years) and length of hospital stay (6.7 days longer) was significantly higher in patients with complications. Risk factors such as smoking were significantly more frequent in patients with complications (9% vs. 18.5%). CONCLUSION: Recording and evaluating of complications in surgery plays a major role for quality control. Certain factors (e.g., comorbidity and the age of the patient) cannot be influenced, but complications caused by technical problems could theoretically be avoided. Especially these cases must be analyzed in detail to reduce the percentage of complications requiring revision.

[Reconstructions after inveterated fractures and dislocations of the foot]. / Rekonstruktionsmaßnahmen nach veralteten Frakturen und Luxationen des Fußes.

Inveterated fractures or dislocations of the foot which are defined as being more than 6-12 weeks old can be secondarily reconstructed anatomically in only very rare cases. All other cases need reorientation of all axes of the foot requiring single or combined joint fusion. In cases of significant posttraumatic bone necrosis the dead bone has to be radically resected and substituted by an autogenous bone graft from the iliac crest. Old cases of dislocation, for example after subtalar dislocation without anatomical reduction, need reorientation of the foot axes by performing arthrodesis. Subluxation of the medial Lisfranc joint after an unrecognized rupture of Lisfranc ligament can be controlled later by anatomical repair of this ligament by using half of the extensor digitorum longus tendon and thus avoiding arthrodesis.

[Secondary anatomical reconstruction of malunited central talus fractures]. / Sekundäre anatomische Rekonstruktion fehlverheilter zentraler Talusfrakturen.

BACKGROUND: Malunion or nonunion of central talar fractures lead to significant impairment, pain and decreased motion of the foot and ankle. In a 20-year period from 1994 to 2013 at the Trauma Department of the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus of the Technical University of Dresden we treated a total of 25 patients with secondary anatomical reconstruction of the talus. METHOD: The mean age of the patients was 39.9 years (range 15-71 years) and only 4 out of the 25 patients were female. Of these patients 11 patients were treated conservatively, 3 minimally invasive with external fixation and were admitted on average 7.6 months (range 1.5-42 months) after the initial fracture. Of the patients 11 had previously been treated in another hospital by open surgery on average 8.4 months (range 1-24 months) months before. There were 9 malunions or nonunions of talar fractures of the shaft, 14 of the neck and 2 of the head. Only 3 cases were old fractures ≥ 6 weeks and 22 were malunions or nonunions ≥ 3 months. According to an in-house classification 12 malunions (type I), 5 nonunions (type II), and 8 malunions/nonunions with partial necrosis (type III) were treated. RESULTS: Of the patients 21 out of 25 needed a bilateral approach and 6 additionally an osteotomy of the medial malleolus.The mean follow-up of 22 out of 25 patients was 5.4 years (range 1.0-21.5 years). The preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score increased on average from 36.6 to 86.7 points (p<0.001) at the time of follow-up.

[Joint-preserving osteotomy for calcanean malunions]. / Gelenkerhaltende Korrektur fehlverheilter Kalkaneusfrakturen.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal malunions lead to a considerable loss of global foot function through the loss of the physiological hindfoot lever arm, bony and soft tissue impingement, and involvement of the subtalar joint. In the majority of cases correction of the malunion has to be combined with subtalar fusion because of a rapid development of posttraumatic subtalar arthritis. METHODS: Joint-preserving corrective osteotomy may be considered in carefully selected patients with intact joint cartilage, sufficient bone quality, and good patient compliance. This is the case in extra-articular malunion and intra-articular malunion with displacement of the complete posterior facet of the subtalar joint. RESULTS: While respecting the criteria for indications, overall good functional results could be achieved in two clinical studies on this subject. Only 1 of the 26 reported patients required a secondary subtalar fusion. In case of development of subtalar arthritis a secondary in situ fusion of the subtalar joint can be performed on a corrected hindfoot with good prospects. CONCLUSION: In carefully selected cases of malunited intra-articular calcaneal fractures, joint-preserving osteotomy is an alternative to corrective subtalar fusion.

[Joint-preserving correction of Chopart joint malunions]. / Gelenkerhaltende Korrekturen bei Fehlheilungen im Chopart-Gelenk.

BACKGROUND: Injuries to the mid-tarsal (Chopart) joint are frequently overlooked or misinterpreted and therefore, not adequately treated at initial presentation. Malunion results in a loss of essential joint function and a three-dimensional malalignment leading to considerable impairment of global foot function and a rapid development of painful posttraumatic arthritis. METHODS: If no symptomatic arthritis is present, joint displacement or non-union may be subject to secondary anatomical reconstruction and internal fixation. Bone grafting becomes necessary in cases of non-union or partial avascular necrosis (AVN) of the navicular bone. In most cases joint destruction will have lead to manifest posttraumatic arthritis requiring fusion of the affected joint. Arthrodesis is always combined with axial realignment. Rebalancing of the medial and lateral foot columns is of utmost importance. RESULTS: We have treated 16 patients with joint-preserving correction of the Chopart joint: 6 of the navicular bone, 3 of the talar head, 3 of the anterior calcaneal process, 2 of the cuboid and 2 with combined malunions. Two female patients aged 50 and 67 years developed AVN of the navicular bone and required talonavicular fusion and one patient with a nonunion of the anterior calcaneal process needed a second revision surgery to achieve union. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of 12 patients increased from 37 preoperatively to 77 at follow-up after an average of 2 years. CONCLUSION: Joint-preserving corrections are generally possible for all four bony components of the Chopart joint in carefully selected cases of malunited fractures and fracture dislocations.

[Anatomical reconstruction of chronically instable Lisfranc's ligaments]. / Anatomische Wiederherstellung des chronisch instabilen Lisfranc-Ligaments.

BACKGROUND: From June 2001 to May 2013 four selected patients with an isolated and old Lisfranc's ligament rupture were treated at the Trauma Department of the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus in Dresden with an anatomical repair of the ligament using half of the extensor hallucis longus tendon. This kind of graft 7 cm in length was used in three cases and in the fourth case the whole extensor hallucis brevis tendon was used. Of the four patients three were female with an average age of 28.6 years (range 15-39 years). The fourth patient was a 23-year-old male who was followed up for only 3 months due to emigration abroad. The three female patients were postoperatively followed up for a minimum of 1 year clinically and at the 1 year follow-up all three women had a stable Lisfranc's joint, two were absolutely pain free and one was relatively pain free. RESULTS: The youngest of the three females was 15 years old at the time of surgery and in preparation for the Olympic Games as a gymnast. This gave rise to the idea for an anatomical repair to avoid partial fusion of the Lisfranc's joint in this very young and extremely competitive sportswoman. The Lisfranc's joint was completely stable and pain free 2 years postoperatively and 10 years after surgery she qualified for the 2005 World Championships in Australia and the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008.

[Anatomical reconstruction of malunited metatarsals and adjacent joints]. / Anatomische Wiederherstellung fehlverheilter Metatarsalia und deren angrenzender Gelenke.

BACKGROUND: Malunited fractures of the metatarsals seldom need correction because the adjacent joints proximally and distally are not axially loaded but they may cause significant pain when a subcapital fracture is malunited too far in a plantar direction. METHOD: Even if a metatarsal head is malunited too dorsally the neighboring head signals transfer metatarsalgia. Therefore, reorientation osteotomy with the intraoperative help of a minidistractor and stable fixation with a small locking plate is needed. Painful nonunion, especially of the proximal fifth metatarsal needs improvement of the biology (e.g. autogenous bone graft) and of the biomechanics (e.g. stable osteosynthesis) if for example pulsed ultrasound treatment fails. RESULTS: The importance of these small foot joints is illustrated by reopening the iatrogenically fused metatarso-cuboidal joint and making a new joint by interposition of crural fascia being crucial for a pain-free and fully functioning foot. The special biomechanics of the first ray is stressed by the secondary reconstruction of the first metatarsal showing a huge bony defect and poor surrounding soft tissues by performing callus distraction.

Fractures of the calcaneus: current treatment strategies.

Displaced, intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus represent a surgical challenge and the ideal choice of treatment remains a subject of continued debate. Open reduction and stable internal fixation without joint transfixation has been established as the standard treatment for most of these fractures with good to excellent results in more than two thirds of patients in larger clinical series. The extended lateral approach respects the neurovascular supply to the heel and allows a good exposition of the fractured lateral wall, the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints, but wound healing problems cannot be completely avoided despite meticulous soft tissue handling. Percuatneous and less invasive procedures have successfully lowered the rates of wound complications but exact anatomic reduction remains an important issue. Care must be taken not to overlook atypical fractures like sustentacular fractures and fracture-dislocations of the calcaneus that are treated with a small medial or curved epimalleolar lateral approach, respectively. The use of bone grafting or bone substitutes for defect filling appears not necessary in most cases. Prognostic factors that can be influenced by the surgeon are anatomical reduction of the overall shape of the calcaneus and congruity of the subtalar joint which should both be controlled intraoperatively. Treatment results are adversely affected by severity of injury, open fractures, bilateral fractures, a high body mass index and smoking. Early, stable soft tissue coverage with pedicled or free flaps appears to lower infection rates and improve the functional results after open fractures. Calcaneal malunions and nonunions are disabling conditions resulting from either non-operative treatment or inadequate reduction and fixation of displaced fractures. Deformity correction is tailored to the type of deformity and individual patient needs. Treatment options include lateral wall decompression, in situ- or corrective subtalar arthrodesis and calcaneal osteotomies accompanied by soft tissue-balancing.

[Treatment of fractures of the ankle in the elderly]. / Frakturversorgung des oberen Sprunggelenks im hohen Lebensalter.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic fractures of the ankle were observed three times more often in the year 2000 than in the year 1970 and it is predicted that this will increase another three times by the year 2030. The most important predictive values for ankle fractures in the elderly are smoking, multipharmacy and poor mobility. INJURY PATTERNS: Conservative treatment only seems to be successful in stable ankle fractures with good surrounding soft tissue. Pronation-abduction (PA) fractures most commonly affect elderly females and 90% of the cases present as the very unstable type III. Unstable fractures, such as PA type III, supination-eversion (SE) and pronation-eversion (PE) fractures type IV can be treated better by 2-stage open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Because the PA type III fracture is often associated with dorsal dislocation of the foot it is proposed that this type should be classified as type IV, which needs urgent surgery to prevent further soft tissue damage. THERAPY: Recommended techniques are the K-wire cage or fibula-pro-tibia technique. Locking plates are also preferred for stable fracture fixation. According to the recommended preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan a Volkmann's fracture should be fixed through a posterolateral approach. The additional tibiotarsal internal transfixation should remain for 6-8 weeks after ORIF until it is changed to a protective lower leg cast after wound healing. An underlying osteoporosis should be diagnosed and inpatient treatment of this entity should be initiated by trauma surgeons whereby coordination training is also important. CONCLUSION: Due to the increasing number of ankle fractures in the elderly particularly in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, the insufficient diagnostics and therapy of osteoporosis and because the number of these difficult to treat fractures will increase by a factor of 3 by 2030, special surgical techniques and particularly implants are necessary for unstable ankle fractures types PA III, SE IV and PE.

[Reconstructions after inveterated fractures and dislocations of the foot]. / Rekonstruktionsmaßnahmen nach veralteten Frakturen und Luxationen des Fußes.

Inveterated fractures or dislocations of the foot which are defined as being more than 6-12 weeks old can be secondarily reconstructed anatomically in only very rare cases. All other cases need reorientation of all axes of the foot requiring single or combined joint fusion. In cases of significant posttraumatic bone necrosis the dead bone has to be radically resected and substituted by an autogenous bone graft from the iliac crest. Old cases of dislocation, for example after subtalar dislocation without anatomical reduction, need reorientation of the foot axes by performing arthrodesis. Subluxation of the medial Lisfranc joint after an unrecognized rupture of Lisfranc ligament can be controlled later by anatomical repair of this ligament by using half of the extensor digitorum longus tendon and thus avoiding arthrodesis.

[Operative treatment of central talar fractures]. / Osteosynthese zentraler Talusfrakturen.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomic reduction of talar neck and body fractures with axial realignment and restoration of the articular surfaces of the talus. INDICATIONS: Displaced talar neck and body fractures. CONTRAINDICATIONS: High perioperative risk, soft tissue infection, neurogenic osteoarthropathy. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Reduction of the axial alignment of the talus and its joints via bilateral approaches according to the preoperative CT-based planning. A medial malleolar osteotomy may be necessary to approach the talar dome. The blood supply via the deltoid ligament and the sinus tarsi has to be respected. Manipulation of the main fragments with K-wires introduced temporarily; a mini-distractor is helpful in restoring the length. Internal fixation is tailored to the individual fracture pattern, including conventional and headless screws, bioresorbable pins, lost K-wires, and/or minifragment plates. Joint transfixation for 6 weeks to ensure ligamentous healing if instability persists after internal fixation. With severe soft tissue damage, temporary tibiometatarsal external fixation is applied until soft tissue consolidation. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Range of motion exercises of the ankle and subtalar joints starting postoperative day 2 except for cases with joint transfixation. Partial weight bearing of 20 kg for 10-12 weeks. Use of a cast or walker for 6 weeks followed by intensive active and passive range of motion exercises of the ankle and subtalar joints. RESULTS: Over 8 years 79 fractures of the talar neck and body were treated. In all, 43 patients with 45 talar neck (n = 30) and body (n = 15) fractures were re-examined clinically and radiologically (mean follow-up 3 years). Definite treatment consisted of open reduction and screw fixation of the talus in 41 cases and small plate fixation in 2 cases supplemented by temporary external fixation for 1-3 weeks in 12 cases. At follow-up, the Maryland Foot Score averaged 86.1 and the AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot Score averaged 78.9. The Hawkins classification was of prognostic value in talar neck fractures. The functional results and the rate of avascular necrosis (AVN) were unaffected by the time to definite internal fixation. AVN was observed in 11 cases (24%); with only partial AVN involving less than one third of the talar body in 8 of these patients. Due to complete AVN with collapse of the talar dome, 3 patients (6.7%) required fusion. Signs of posttraumatic arthritis of the tibiotalar or subtalar joint were seen in 21 cases (47%). The rate of symptomatic posttraumatic arthritis correlated with the occurrence of total AVN, but not with partial AVN.

Fractures of the sustentaculum tali.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomical reconstruction of displaced sustentaculum tali fractures via a direct medial approach. INDICATIONS: Displaced fractures of the sustentaculum tali with incongruity or depression of the medial facet of the subtalar joint, entrapment of the flexor hallucis longus or flexor digitorum longus tendons, fracture line extending into the posterior facet of the subtalar joint. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Infected or grossly contaminated soft tissue, severely restricted vascular supply to the foot, high perioperative risk. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Direct medial approach over the sustentaculum tali, retraction of the tendons, joint exploration, fracture reduction using the medial facet and cortical outline as guidelines, fracture fixation with two small fragment screws from medial to lateral directed slightly plantarly and posteriorly. Fractures with depression of the medial facet as a whole can alternatively be reduced and fixed percutaneously. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Lower leg splint for 5-7 days, partial weight-bearing with 20 kg for 6-8 weeks (until radiographic signs of consolidation) in the patient's own shoewear, early range of motion exercises of the ankle, subtalar and mid-tarsal joints. RESULTS: Over a course of 15 years, 31 patients were treated operatively for sustentacular fractures. In all, 27 patients (87%) had additional fractures to the same foot and ankle. Eighteen patients with a mean age of 41 years treated at our institution with screw fixation for a unilateral fracture of the sustentaculum tali could be followed for a mean of 80 months (range 15-151 months). No wound healing problems or infections were seen with the medial approach. At the time of follow-up, 15 sustentaculum tali fractures had an average Foot Function Index of 21.6 and an average AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score of 83.6. Patients with isolated fractures of the sustentaculum tali had significantly better scores than those with additional injuries. In 1 patient, an additional lateral process fracture of the talus required subtalar fusion due to persistent pain. Care must be taken not to overlook these atypical calcaneal fractures and accompanying injuries to the mid-tarsal joint and the lateral talar process as seen in 45% and 23%, respectively, in the present series.

[Operative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures]. / Osteosynthese dislozierter intraartikulärer Kalkaneusfrakturen.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomic reduction of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with restoration of height, length, and axial alignment and reconstruction of the subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints. INDICATIONS: Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with incongruity of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint, loss of height, and axial malalignment. CONTRAINDICATIONS: High perioperative risk, soft tissue infection, advanced peripheral arterial disease (stage III), neurogenic osteoarthropathy, poor patient compliance (e. g., substance abuse). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Extended lateral approach with the patient placed on the uninjured side. Reduction of the anatomic shape and joint surfaces according to the preoperative CT-based planning. Reduction of the medial wall and step-wise reconstruction of the posterior facet from medial to lateral. Reduction of the tuberosity and anterior process fragments to the posterior joint block and temporary fixation with Kirschner wires. Internal fixation with an anatomic lateral plate in a locking or nonlocking mode. Alternatively less invasive internal fixation with a calcaneus nail over a sinus tarsi approach for less severe fracture types. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: The lower leg is immobilized in a brace until the wound is healed. Range of motion exercises of the ankle and subtalar joints are initiated on the second postoperative day. Patients are mobilized in their own shoe with partial weight bearing of 20 kg for 6-12 weeks depending on fracture severity and bone quality. RESULTS: Over a 4-year period, 163 patients with 184 displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated with a lateral plate via an extended approach. In all, 102 patients with 116 fractures were followed for a mean of 8 years. A surgical revision was necessary in 4 cases (3.4%) of postoperative hematoma, 2 (1.7%) superficial and 5 (4.3%) deep infections. Of the latter, 2 patients needed a free flap for definite wound coverage, no calcanectomy or amputation was needed. Secondary subtalar fusion for symptomatic posttraumatic arthritis was performed in 9 cases (7.8%). At follow-up, the AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot Score averaged 70.2, the Zwipp Score averaged 76.0, the German versions of the Foot Function Index and SF-36 physical component averaged 32.8 and 42.2, respectively. Scores were significantly lower with increasing fracture severity according to the Sanders and Zwipp classifications, bilateral fractures, open fractures, and with work-related injuries. With less invasive fixation using a calcaneal nail, superficial wound edge necrosis was seen in 2 of 75 cases (2.7%).