Treatment of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures with the Intramedullary Nail
Authors: Lucas Julien , Fourgeaux Antoine 
Published: September 2018

Category:

Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

In 2010, a new closed reduction, internal fixation procedure for displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures (DIACF) was developed with an intramedullary nail introduces through a channel in the calcaneal tuberosity. The goal was to reduce the rate of skin complications following principles of open reduction procedures. The aim of this prospective mono-centric study was to assess the occurrence of complications and the functional results using the AOFAS-AHS score. The secondary objectives were to assess first the restoration of the Böhler and Gissane angles on X-ray and shape of the calcaneus (Height, length, width) on CT scans, then thalamic reduction on 3D CT scans based on Goldzak’s global articular reduction classification.

Methods:

26 Patients were included prospectively between 2014 and 2016 with analysis of X-rays and CT scans. Two were lost to follow-up and 2 patients sustained a secondary subtalar arthrodesis. After positioning a distractor and drilling, reduction was done with tamps and spatula. The nail was then introduced and locked with screws in the tuberosity and the constant fragment. After 3 weeks of non-weight bearing and 3 weeks with hindfoot off-loading shoe, full weight bearing was allowed. The functional outcome and restoration of the radiographic angles were evaluated postoperatively, at 3 months, 1 year and at the last follow-up. Global calcaneal shape and thalamic surface were evaluated postoperatively, at 1 year and at the last follow-up. The following early complications (delayed healing, infection, annoyed material, sural nerve lesion) and later complications (painful stiffness of the subtalar joint, hindfoot varus malalignment and calcaneofibular conflict) were recorded.

Results:

Mean follow up was 2.4 years. The mean AOFAS-AHS score was 79 ± 12 [100; 61] in the 22 patients examined. The mean Böhler angle rose from -1.29°± 18° [-35; 28] pre-operatively to 33°± 6° [22; 44] post-operatively. The mean calcaneal height index and length rose respectively from 0.44± 0,18 [0,12; 0,83] to 0.86± 0,22 [0,46; 1,1] and 82,4± 5,4 [72; 93] mm to 86,7mm ±4,6 [76; 97], and the width decreased from 49,8± 4,8 [38; 59] to 46,3± 3,7 [38; 55] mm. The Goldzak global articular reduction assessment was excellent in 39% of cases, good in 42% of cases and poor in 19% of cases. One case of deep infection was reported. Three patients needed device removal and two sustained a secondary subtalar arthrodesis.

Conclusion:

Our prospective study on this new device has the longest time of follow-up. The results confirm the effectiveness and the reliability over time of the procedure to restore the global shape and the thalamic surface with a low rate of complications and quick return to activities. It appears to be an excellent compromise between the respect of the principles of reduction as applied in the ORIF procedures, and the low cutaneous risk of percutaneous procedures. A subsequent study, with a larger number of patients, will enable analysis of the correlation between the radiological markers and the AOFAS-AHS.