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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 12/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Trauma Surgery

Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures by ligamentotaxis: current concepts’ review

Authors: T. Schepers, P. Patka

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 12/2009

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Abstract

Introduction

A large variety of therapeutic modalities for calcaneal fractures have been described in the literature. No single treatment modality for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures has proven superior over the other. This review describes and compares the different percutaneous distractional approaches for intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The history, technique, anatomical and fracture considerations, limitations and the results of different distractional approaches reported in the literature are reviewed.

Method

Literature review on different percutaneous distractional approaches for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Results

Eight studies in which application of a distraction technique was used for the treatment of calcaneal fractures were identified. Because of the use of different classification, techniques, and outcome scoring systems, a meta-analysis was not possible. A literature review reveals overall fair to poor result in 10–29% of patients. Ten up to 26% of patients are unable to return to work after percutaneous treatment of their fracture. A secondary arthrodesis has to be performed in 2–15% of the cases. Infectious complications occur in 2–15%. Some loss of reduction is reported in 4–67%.

Conclusion

Percutaneous distractional reduction and fixation appears to be a safe technique with overall good results and an acceptable complication rate, compared with other treatment modalities for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. A meta-analysis, based on Cochrane Library criteria is not possible, because of a lack of level 1 and 2 trials on this subject.
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Metadata
Title
Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures by ligamentotaxis: current concepts’ review
Authors
T. Schepers
P. Patka
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 12/2009
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-0915-8

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