• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2001

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.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2006

Purpose: This study was performed to analyze the characteristics of calcaneocuboid joint involvement in intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: Total number of 92 patients (111 cases) who underwent operation for intraarticular calcaneal fractures between Jan. 2000 and Oct. 2005 were included in this study. The preoperative computed tomographs of the subjects were retrospectively reviewed to analyze calcaneocuboid joint involvement. Results: It was revealed that 63 cases (56.8%) involved calcaneocuboid joint; 29cases (46.0%) showed type 1 (undisplaced or minimally displaced type, articular gap ${\le}1\;mm$), 16 cases (25.4%) exhibited type 2 (moderately displaced type, articular gap ${\ge}2\;mm$), 7 cases (11.1%) were included in type 3 (comminuted type) and 11 cases (17.5%) belonged to type 4 (fracture and dislocation). 48 out of 63 cases belonged to Sanders classification II and III that involved calcaneocuboid joint and included 25 cases (52.1%) of type 1 and 14 cases (29.2%) of type 2. Among 15 out of 63 cases included in Sanders classification IV, 4 (26.7%) showed type 1 and 6 (40.0%) belonged to type 4. According to our results, Sanders classification allowed to predict pattern of the involvement of calcaneocuboid joint (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between degree of posterior facet joint injuries and calcaneocuboid joint involvement (P>0.05). Conclusion: Calcaneocuboid joint involvement in intraarticular calcaneal fractures was common and more than half showed severe injuries. We concluded that further studies on the involvement of calcaneocuboid joint should be performed prior to surgical treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.86-90
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• 2007

Purpose: We evaluated the results of operative treatment with F or H plates and screws using extensile lateral approach in intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: From August 2003 to July 2006, twenty intraarticular calcaneal fractures which were operated with open reduction and internal fixation with F or H plates and screws were evaluated retrospectively. According to the Essex-Lopresti classification, 3 cases were tongue type and 16 were joint depression type. With the Sanders classification, 2 cases were IIA type, 7 were IIB, 5 were IIIAB, 2 were IIIAC and 3 were IV. We have analysed the $B{\ddot{o}}hler$ angle, Gissane angle, and calcaneal width in radiologic evaluation, and evaluated clinical result according to the Creighton-Nebraska Health Foundation Score. Results: Radiologic changes showed as follows: $B{\ddot{o}}hler$ angle improved from $5.8^{\circ}$ to $25.9^{\circ}$, Gissane angle from $119.0^{\circ}$ to $113.3^{\circ}$, and calcaneal width from 50.4 mm to 37.8 mm. In the clinical results, excellent cases were noted in 8 cases, good in 8 cases, fair in 2 cases, poor in 1 case. Conclusion: Operative treatment with F or H plates and screws using extensile lateral approach in intraarticular calcaneal fractures was thought to be a useful operative method allowing anatomical reduction.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.68-77
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• 2003

Purpose: The treatment of calcaneal fractures remains a controversy in orthopaedic field because of its complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment of calcaneal fractures and its complications. Materials and Methods: Clinical and radiological results were retrospectively analyzed in 28 patients, 34 cases with fractures of calcaneus which were treated in our department from September 1998 to march 2003. Results: According to the Creighton-Nebraska Foundation Assessment score, there were 3 excellent, 11 good, and 12 fair 6 poor results. Bohler angle was corrected from $8.3^{\circ}$ to $18.3^{\circ}$, Gissane angle was corrected from $121^{\circ}$ to $135^{\circ}$, and calcaneal width was corrected from 46.8mm to 37mm. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation for joint depression type calcaneal fractures thought to be a good method of treatment. Closed reduction and percutaneous axial pinning should be chosed in selected cases of tongue type fractures. In treatment of complicated calcaneal fractures as malunion, subtalar distraction arthrodesis and lateral wall exostectomy will reduce disability of the disease.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.201-207
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• 2002

Purpose: To present the clinical analysis of the results obtained in 38 cases of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures undergone combined percutaneous axial pin fixation of calcaneal body and minimal internal fixation using extensile lateral approach. Materials and Methods: From March 2000 to February 2002, thirty-eight displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus in 35 patients were fixed with 3.5mm cannulated screws and percutaneous 2.5mm K-wires. The extensile lateral approach was used in all cases. The average follow-up period was 16 months. Clinical evaluation was assessed according to the Ankle-Hind Foot Scale of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society. Results: The clinical results were graded as excellent in 8 cases(21%), good in 22 cases(58%), fair in 6 cases(16%), and poor in 2 cases(5%). Two cases of poor result were type IV of Sanders classification. The postoperative reduction status of the articular surface was analyzed by computed tomography in all cases and was found to be less 2mm of step off in 30 cases and between 2 and 4mm in 8 cases. Unsatisfactory results were correlated with severity of articular comminution and failure to obtain accurate reduction of the articular surface. Using early functional postoperative care, all fractures healed without secondary displacement except 1 case on an average of ten weeks. Two cases had superficial necrosis of the wound margins, however, secondary wound healing was uneventful and skin grafting was not needed. Conclusion: Combined minimal internal fixation and percutaneous pin fixation using extensile lateral approach is useful operative method of intraarticular calcaneal fractures because providing enough stability to permit functional aftercare and allowing excellent anatomical reduction. In addition, this method diminishes the risk of lateral soft tissue problems.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.60-67
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the usefulness of extensile lateral approach for accurate reduction and rigid internal fixation in comminuted intraarticular fractures of calcaneus. Materials and Methods: From October 2002 to May 2007, we managed 55 patients (62 cases) with open reduction and internal fixation using extensile lateral approach. Among these, 38 patients (43 cases) who underwent preoperative and postoperative CT scan were enrolled. All patients were evaluated over 24 months after surgery. Bohler angle and Gissane angle on plain X-ray, displacement and step-off of articular surface of calcaneus on CT scan were measured and we compared the difference between preoperative and postoperative value of them. Clinical results were assessed by using AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Results: The average Bohler angle was restored from $6.8^{\circ}$ to $23.5^{\circ}$ and Gissane angle was improved from $116.4^{\circ}$ to $113.5^{\circ}$ after operation. The average distance of displacement was restored from 4.2 mm to 1.4 mm and step-off of articular surface was recovered from 5.1 mm to 1.3 mm. Clinical results were excellent in 17 cases, good in 18 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 5 cases. 10 cases developed postoperative complications such as skin necrosis, heel pain, limitation of motion of ankle and subtalar arthritis. Conclusion: The extensile lateral approach is valuable for the comminuted intraarticular fractures of calcaneus that enables accurate anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation by providing direct exposure of subtalar joint.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.149-155
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• 2002

Purpose: To propose a new comprehensive classification system of intraarticular calcaneal fracture based on CT images. Materials and methods: Fourty intraarticular calcaneal fractures which were treated operatively were evaluated retrospectively. We classified fracture types according to severity of comminution on the posterior facet and calcaneocuboid joint by CT images. And we evaluated postoperative results of each fracture types in terms of the quality of fixation and reduction by the postoperative plain radiograghs. Results: By the classification of the posterior facet, 18 cases were P-I, 15 were P-II, and 7 were P-III. Among the P-I cases, 7 were P-IA, 9 were P-IL, 1 was P-IM and 2 were P-IT. According to the classification of calcaneocuboid joint, II cases were C-I, 18 were C-II and 11 were C-III. Qualities of fixation were excellent in 27 cases (67.5%), fair in 9(22.5%) and poor in 4(10%). Qualities of reduction were excellent 23 cases(57.5%), fair in 11(27.5%) and poor in 6(15%). Conclusion: Our new classification system based on the CT images could provide informations about the fracture configuration and severity of comminution around calcaneocuboid joint as well as the posterior facet. And the high grade fractures such as type P-III are need to be taken care of fixation of articular surfaces.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.51-57
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• 2011

Pilon fractures involving distal tibia remain one of the most difficult therapeutic challenges that confront the orthopedic surgeons because of associated soft tissue injury is common. To introduce and describe the diagnosis, current treatment, results and complications of the pilon fractures. In initial assessment, the correct evaluation of the fracture type through radiographic checkup and examination of the soft tissue envelope is needed to decide appropriate treatment planning of pilon fractures. Even though Ruedi and Allgower reported 74% good and excellent results with primary open reduction and internal fixation, recently the second staged treatment of pilon fractures is preferred to orthopedic traumatologist because of the soft tissue problem is common after primary open reduction and internal fixation. The components of the first stage are focused primarily on stabilization of the soft tissue envelope. If fibula is fractured, fibular open reduction and internal fixation is integral part of initial management for reducing the majority of tibial deformities. Ankle-spanning temporary external fixator is used to restore limb alignment and displaced intraarticular fragments through ligamentotaxis and distraction. And the second stage, definitive open reduction and internal fixation of the tibial component, is undertaken when the soft tissue injury has resolved and no infection sign is seen on pin site of external fixator. The goals of definitive internal fixation should include absolute stability and interfragmentary compression of reduced articular segments, stable fixation of the articular segment to the tibial diaphysis, and restoration of coronal, transverse, and sagittal plane alignments. The location, rigidity, and kinds of the implants are based on each individual fractures. The conventional plate fixation has more advantages in anatomical reduction of intraarticular fractures than locking compression plate. But it has more complications as infection, delayed union and nonunion. The locking compression plate fixation provides greater stability and lesser wound problem than conventional implants. But the locking compression plate remains poorly defined for intraarticular fractures of the distal tibia. Active, active assisted, passive range of motion of the ankle is recommended when postoperative rehabilitation is started. Splinting with the foot in neutral is continued until suture is removed at the 2~3 weeks and weight bearing is delayed for approximately 12 weeks. The recognition of the soft tissue injury has evolved as a critical component of the management of pilon fractures. At this point, the second staged treatment of pilon fractures is good treatment option because of it is designed to promote recovery of the soft tissue envelope in first stage operation and get a good result in definitive reduction and stabilization of the articular surface and axial alignment in second stage operation.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.247-256
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of operative treatment using mini-open sinus tarsi approach for displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: We studied 18 cases (16 patients) of intraarticular calcaneal fractures who were treated with sinus tarsi approach by same surgeon. The mean age of patients was 44.8 years, and mean follow-up period was 17.2 months. The measurement of B$\ddot{o}$hler angle, Gissane angle, the degree of articular surface depression, and the period to union were performed through preoperative and postoperative radiographs. The clinical evaluation was performed according to hindfoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and scale of the Creighton-Nebraska health foundation (CNHF). Results: B$\ddot{o}$hler angle and Gissane angle had improved significantly from preoperative average $9.8^{\circ}$, $117.6^{\circ}$to average $22.4^{\circ}$, $113.4^{\circ}$ immediate postoperatively, and had maintained to average $21.8^{\circ}$and $114.2^{\circ}$ at the last follow-up. The degree of articular surface depression had improved significantly from preoperative average 5.2 mm to 1.2 mm at the last follow-up. All cases achieved bone union, and the period to union was average 10.5 weeks. AOFAS score was average 86.2 points at the last follow-up. There were 7 excellent, 9 good, and 2 fair results according to the CNHF scale. Therefore, 16 cases (88.8%) achieved satisfactory results. Conclusion: The minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach using headless compression screw seems to be an effective surgical method for displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures, because of the possibility of accurate restoration of articular surface and the low risk of postoperative soft tissue complications.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.226-231
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• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiographic results of open reduction and internal fixation for intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 20 cases of calcaneal fractures managed with open reduction and internal fixation from March 2003 to January 2005. We used the computed tomographic classification system proposed by Sanders et al to classify these fractures. Preoperative and postoperative Bohler's angle, heel height (calcaneal facet height) and calcaneal length, calcaneal width were measured. The Creighton-Nebraska Health Foundation Assessment score was used for clinical evaluation. Results: There were 12 cases of type II fractures, 5 of type III fractures and 3 of type IV fractures. The mean clinical score was 84.3 for type II, 82.6 for type III and 56.1 for type IV. The mean preoperative $B{\ddot{o}}hler$ angle was $6.1^{\circ}$ and final was $22.8^{\circ}$. The mean preoperative calcaneal facet height was 76.6 mm and final was 80.3 mm (The mean calcaneal facet height was changed from preop 76.6 mm to postop 80.3 mm). The mean preoperative calcaneal length was 88.2 mm and final was 92.6 mm. The mean preoperative width was 38.1 mm and final was 35.6 mm. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation showed good results for type II and III fractures, but for type IV fractures the clinical result was significantly worse than the other types. However, type IV fractures still had restoration of (should be restored in) $B{\ddot{o}}hler's$ angle, calcaneal facet height, calcaneal length and width which may be helpful in later subtalar fusion.