Treatment of calcaneal fractures with a super-cutaneous calcaneal locking plate

Objective To study advantages and disadvantages of the super-cutaneous calcaneal locking plate in the treatment of calcaneal fractures. Methods Between October 2007 to June 2008, 12cases of calcaneal fracture were treated with a super-cutaneous calcaneal locking plate. According to the Sanders classification system, 8 cases were of type ⅡA, one case of type ⅡB, one case of type ⅡC, one case of type Ⅲ AC, and one case of type Ⅳ. All the cases were fresh fractures. The skin incision was made from the distal tip of the fibula to the base of the fourth metatarsal. In direct observation of the posterior facet and anterior tuberosity, the articular fragments were reduced anatomically. Then the reduced calcaneus was fixed by a super-cutaneous calcaneal locking plate. After bone union was confirmed 3 months after the operation by the CT scans and X-ray films, the super-cutaneous plates and screws were removed in clinic. Results The average time of follow-up was 16 months with a span from 12 to 20 months. There were no incision or pin-hole infections. The reduction of the articular surface and bone union were good. One type ⅡA developed lateral wall exostosis which resulted in peroneal tendonitis and stenosis followed by obvious walking pain. The preoperative X-ray films of the 12 patients showed that the average B(o)hler angle was 11.9°±9.4° and the Gissane angle 86. 8°± 7. 7°. Their postoperative X-ray files demonstrated that the B(o)hler angle was improved to 29. 4°± 7.0° and the Gissane angle to 115.8°± 7.7°, with a significant difference ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). According to the Ankle Hindfoot Clinical Rating System of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS),their average score was 91 points (68 to 100 points). Conclusions Using a super-cutaneous calcaneal locking plate to treat calcaneal fractures can result in limited invasion, a low rate of skin infection, satisfactory reduction of the articular surface and stable fixation. Since the fixation can be removed without re-hospitalization, it is a cheaper and less painful alternative for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Key words: Calcaneus;  Fracture fixation;  Locking plates