Calcaneus Fractures: Clinical Study of Axial Fixation

Ha, Kwon Ick; Han, Sung Ho; Shin, Dong Shik

Abstract

There is a great difference of opinion regarding the treatment of intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus. Many authors suggested that there are essentially four basic methods of treatment, but the choice of treatment depends on the surgeons preference, the type of fracture, and the age of the patient. We obtained the following results in 11 cases of calcaneal fractures involving subtalar joint which were treated by axial fixation at our hospital from 1977 to 1981. 1. The favourable results were obtained in 5 cases of 6 feet of tongue type fractures and in 3 cases of 5 feet of joint depression fractures. 2. Even if the joint depression type fracture which is not severely comminuted, the treatment with axial fixation is thought to be good method. 3. Axial fixation must be tried in three faces of reduction which are reestablishment of Bohler angle and subtalar joint and reduction of lateral bulging of calcaneus. The results were more excellent in which reduction is achieved near anatomical position.