CT Classification and Treatment of Intraarticular Calcaneal Fractures - Conservative vs. Surgical Treatment by Prospective Study -

관절내 종골 골절의 전산화 단층 촬영에 따른 분류 및 치료

Purpose: To analyze the results of conservative or surgical treatment after computed tomograhy(CT) classification in intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Materials and methods: From January 1996 to May 1999, we prospectively analyze 23 cases of intraarticular calcaneal fractures who were treated conservatively or operated by open reduction and internal fixation by extensive L-shaped lateral approach after CT classification. Results: A functional scoring system of 0-100 points which was based upon the responses to AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale for the operative group was at 82.8, compared with 73.2 for the non-operative group, and these were meaningful statistically(P<0.05). Of type I fracture, in the operative group there were 2 excellent results and in the non-operative group there were 2 excellent results, 1 good result. or type II fractures, in the operative group there were 2 excellent results, 3 good results, 1 fair result and in the non-operative group there were 1 good result, 1 fair result, 2 poor results. Of type III fractures, in the operative group there were 2 fair results, 2 poor results and in the non-operative group there were 1 fair result, 3 poor results. Bohler angles of subtalar joint were changed from initial average $13.3^{\circ}$ to postoperative average $20.9^{\circ}$ for the operative group compared with from initial average $15.5^{\circ}$ to follow-up average $14.8^{\circ}$ of the non-operative group(P<0.01). Conclusions: Computed tomography in the evaluation of intraarticular calcaneal fractures is effective tool. We believed that open reduction and internal fixation in all Crosby & Fitzgibbons type II and according to degrees of comminution reducible type III for the intraarticular calcaneal fractures is more effective method than conservative treatment.