• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.151-156
• /
• 2010

Purpose: To analyze the clinical and radiological results of operative treatment in patients with tongue type intra-articular calcaneal fracture, and to compare the open reduction and Essex-Lopresti technique. Materials and Methods: We examined a consecutive series of 42 patients who received surgical treatment for tongue type calcaneal fracture (24 cases of the open reduction and 18 cases of the Essex-Lopresti technique) and the postoperative data was compared with a minimum 1 year follow-up. The clinical outcome was analyzed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scale and Salama's criteria. The preoperative, postoperative, and last follow-up changes in the Bohler angle was radiologically analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the clinical and radiological results at the last follow-up. However, for the Sander's type 3 and 4 fractures, the open reduction group showed more improvement of AOFAS score and less reduction loss in the Bohler angle. Conclusion: Although the clinical results were good irrespective of surgical technique, the open reduction and internal fixation can improve clinical outcome and reduce the reduction loss as compared with the Essex-Lopresti technique in the comminuted tongue type calcaneal fracture.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.109-114
• /
• 2003

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and indications of the modified Essex-Lopresti reduction in calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: We reviewed retrospectively 41 cases of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. The fracture was reduced with Essex-Lopresti technique with modification in compression of the lateral wall with the specially designed compression device instead of the operator's hands. We evaluated the results of treatment by AOFAS scale and the radiographic parameters including the Bohler's angle, calcaneal width, calcaneofibular distance and the congruency of the posterior facet. Results: Boler's angle was restored from 11 to 29.6 degrees on average, heel width was reduced to 112% of contralateral value, the calcaneofibular gap was restored up to 87.9% of contralateral side, and the articular surface of the posterior facet was restored less than 2 mm of step off and less than 2 mm of gap. AOFAS scale averaged 87 points. The quality of reduction was best in Sander's type II fractures. Small sized fragments in type III fractures could not be reduced. The results were better when the reductions were performed within 24 hours of injury. Conclusion: The modified Essex-Lopresti reduction was less invasive, easy to perform, and the results of treatment were similar to those of open reduction; it seemed to be a reasonable alternative for the selected intraarticular calcaneal fractures.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.46-51
• /
• 2004

Purpose: Problematic late sequelae are common following a calcaneal fracture regardless of the initial treatment. We retrospectively evaluated the painful conditions and reviewed the results of the operative treatment in patients with previously treated calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: Between October 1996 and September 2001, forty-three patients who underwent subsequent surgical treatment for late sequelae of calcaneal fracture were reviewed. The initial treatment consisted of only immobilization in a cast in 7 patients, closed reduction with pin fixation (Essex-Lopresti technique) in 22 and open reduction and internal fixation in 14. Painful conditions in the hind foot included subtalar arthritis in 31 patients, calcaneofibular impingement in 13, peroneal tendinitis in 6, displaced posterior bony fragment in 3, sural neuritis in 2, subtalar and midtarsal arthritis in 1 and displaced plantar bony fragment in 1. The surgical procedures for the late complications were performed at a mean of 19 months (range, 6 to 35 months) after the injury and consisted of lateral wall ostectomy and in situ subtalar fusion in 28 patients, only lateral wall ostectomy in 5 patients, lateral wall ostectomy and subtalar distraction arthrodesis in 3, removal of displaced posterior bony fragment in 3, sural nerve transposition in the peroneus brevis in 2, triple arthrodesis in 1 and removal of displaced plantar bony fragment in 1. Mean postoperative follow up period was 57 months (range, 33 to 82 months). The results of treatment were evaluated on the basis of pain, improvement in the ability to perform activities of daily living, to return to work or to a pre-injury level of activity. Results: Pain was partially relieved in 38 patients (88%), but not relieved in 5. Function improved in 34 patients (79%), and 32 (74%) returned to work or to a pre-injury level of activity. There was a trend that the longer the interval between the injury and the operation, the longer the subsequent interval until the patient returned to full activities or work. Conclusion: Meticulous physical examination and intensive prompt treatment for remaining pain after initial treatment of calcaneal fractures are recommended for patient's satisfaction and returning to work.