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Intra-articular calcaneal fractures: computed tomographic analysis

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Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) analysis of 21 intra-articular calcaneal fractures categorized according to the Essex-Lopresti classification revealed the following distribution: joint depression-type 57%, comminuted type 43%, tongue-type 0%. The posterior calcaneal facet was fractured and/or depressed in 100% of the cases while the medial facet was involved in only 25% of the cases.

CT proved superior to plain films by consistently demonstrating additional fracture components within each major category suggesting subclassifications which have potential prognostic value. CT allowed more expeditious handling of acutely injured patients, and improved preoperative planning, postoperative follow-up, and detailed analysis of causes for chronic residual pain. CT further identified significant soft tissue injuries such as peroneal tendon displacement which cannot be delineated on plain films.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Manhattan, USA

    Zehava Sadka Rosenberg M.D., Frieda Feldman M.D. & Rolando D. Singson M.D.

  2. The Presbyterian Hospital in the City of New York, New York, New York, USA

    Zehava Sadka Rosenberg M.D., Frieda Feldman M.D. & Rolando D. Singson M.D.

  3. Hospital for Joint Diseases/Orthopaedic Institute, New York, New York, USA

    Zehava Sadka Rosenberg M.D.

Authors
  1. Zehava Sadka Rosenberg M.D.
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  2. Frieda Feldman M.D.
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  3. Rolando D. Singson M.D.
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Rosenberg, Z.S., Feldman, F. & Singson, R.D. Intra-articular calcaneal fractures: computed tomographic analysis. Skeletal Radiol 16, 105–113 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00367756

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