J Korean Fract Soc.  2011 Jul;24(3):262-266.

Avulsion Fracture of Calcaneal Tubercle Treated with Cannulated Cancellous Screws and Wire: Surgical Technique

• Yi CH
• Oh JR

Abstract

The incidence rate of calcaneal fracture consists about 2% of all fractures, and, of the fracture, calcaneal tubercle avulsion fracture is known to be rare. To treat non-displaced calcaneal tubercle avulsion fracture, conservative treatment such as cast fixation is applied. However, most cases accompany displacement of the avulsion fragment, and, usually, surgery is necessary to treat the displaced fracture. Although surgical fixation simply by cancellous screw or tension wire is widely used, fixation failure is potential complication in this method. Thus, this study wants to introduce a prospective and useful method that further strengthens the calcaneal fixation by using both cannulated screw and tension band wiring.

Keyword

Calcaneus fracture; Avulsion fracture; Internal fixation; Hybrid internal fixation

MeSH Terms

Displacement (Psychology)
Incidence

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) The picture taken in the operating room of a 72-years old female shows the avulsion fracture of calcaneal tubercle. (B) Open reduction and internal fixation was done by using 2 cannulated screws and wires.

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  Fig. 2 The initial simple radiograph taken in the emergency room of a 72-years old female shows the avulsion fracture of calcaneal tubercle.

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  Fig. 3 Open reduction and Internal fixation was done with 2 cannulated screws and wires 1 day after the injury.

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  Fig. 4 At postoperative 10 weeks, findings of bony union were seen in plain radiograph.

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  Fig. 5 Initial radiograph of 68-eyars old female showed fracture of lateral malleolus (A) and the avulsion fracture of calcaneal tubercle (B).

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  Fig. 6 Immediate postoperative radiograph after closed reduction and internal fixation of lateral malleolus and open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneal tubercle.

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  Fig. 7 At postoperative 13 weeks, follow up radiograph showed bony union of calcaneus.

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