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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-10-2021 | Calcaneus Fracture | Trauma Surgery

Surgical experience as a decisive factor for the outcome of calcaneal fractures using locking compression plate: results of 3 years

Authors: Sebastian Fischer, Magalie Meinert, Oliver Neun, Christian Colcuc, Yves Gramlich, Reinhard Hoffmann, Sebastian Manegold

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 10/2021

Abstract

Introduction

Calcaneal fractures account for 60–75% of all tarsal fractures and represent surgical challenges because of their frequency and complexity. Despite standardized procedures and new implants, literature reports high revision rates and unsatisfactory results. The study aims to describe the role of the surgeon with respect to the clinical outcome.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2017, 94 calcaneal fractures (all type AO C1-3) were re-examined in 86 patients (67 male and 19 female; mean age: 51 years). The treatment was always carried out by means of locking compression plate via the extensile lateral approach. A comparison was made between treatment by an experienced (ES) and less experienced surgeon (LES). Annually, the ES performed at least 30 procedures for calcaneus fracture treatment as compared to < 10 operations performed by the LES.

Results

The mean AOFAS, VAS FA, and Kiel Score in the ES group were 77.0 (SD 15.9), 69.0 (SD 18.8), and 65.0 (SD 20.6), respectively. The corresponding values in the LES group were 68.1 (SD 21.0), 60.3 (SD 22.4), and 53.0 (SD 21.9) (p < 0.05). The operation time was on average 14 min shorter in the ES group than the LES group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The significantly better scores, along with shorter operation time, shorter duration of incapacity to work, and lower complication rate prove the importance of having an experienced surgeon perform complex intra-articular calcaneal fracture repairs. The extensile lateral approach is still considered the standard method.

Level of evidence

Level III, comparative series.

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Title: Surgical experience as a decisive factor for the outcome of calcaneal fractures using locking compression plate: results of 3 years
Authors: Sebastian Fischer
Magalie Meinert
Oliver Neun
Christian Colcuc
Yves Gramlich
Reinhard Hoffmann
Sebastian Manegold
Publication date: 01-10-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Calcaneus Fracture
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 10/2021
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-020-03649-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Surgical experience as a decisive factor for the outcome of calcaneal fractures using locking compression plate: results of 3 years

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

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