Erschienen in:
22.02.2016 | Original Paper
Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: is there a consensus on treatment in Germany?
verfasst von:
Tatjana Pastor, Gertraud Gradl, Kajetan Klos, Bergita Ganse, Klemens Horst, Hagen Andruszkow, Frank Hildebrand, Hans-Christoph Pape, Matthias Knobe
Erschienen in:
International Orthopaedics
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Ausgabe 10/2016
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Abstract
Introduction
Open reduction in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures entails a high rate of wound healing deficits and infections as well as an uncertain outcome, which leads to remaining ambiguity in treatment preferences.
Methods
Between January and July 2011, we emailed 575 German chairpersons of trauma and/or orthopaedic departments, asking them to complete a 31–question web-based survey regarding three broad domains: fracture classification, surgical treatment algorithms and risk factors for wound healing deficits.
Results
The response rate was 47 %. With an incidence of 77 %, open reduction via an extended lateral approach and plate fixation was the main treatment option for displaced intra-articular fractures of the joint-depression-type (Sanders II or III). Percutaneous techniques were only preferred in individual cases, with mainly precarious wound situations (59 %) as well as in patients with a reduced general health condition (ASA 3 and 4; 41 %). The re-operation rate due to infections and wound healing deficits after an extended lateral approach was reported with a percentage of 0-5 % by 88 % of the respondents. Participants stated that especially a poor microcirculation of the foot, disregard of soft tissue conserving techniques, overall condition of the patient, smoking, long time-to-surgery and operation time are the main reasons for wound healing deficits.
Conclusion
Given the extended lateral approach as the preferred treatment option, we found minimally invasive techniques and primary arthrodesis of the lower ankle joint play a minor role in treating intra-articular calcaneal fractures in Germany. Ninety percent of our respondents stated less than 5 % of patients required re-operations due to infections and wound healing deficits.
Level of Evidence Level V, expert opinion.