Treatment of open calcaneal fractures using a new external fixator

Background: To explore the clinical efficacy of self-developed calcaneal external fixator for the treatment of open calcaneal fractures. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 18 cases of open calcaneal fractures patients who were recruited from May 2007 to May 2012, including 13 males and 5 females. All patients underwent emergency operation within 8 hours after injury. After general debridement, the calcaneal external fixator was used to perform open reduction and fixation of calcaneal fractures. Then the articular surface of calcaneus was exposed and fixed with Kirschner wire. The length and width of calcaneus, the height of thalamus, the maximum vertical displacement of the posterior articular surface, and Bohler angle were measured before operation, 3 days after operation, and 6 months after operation. Results: All patients were followed for 4-36 months (mean, 25 months). The ipsilateral calcaneus lateral and axial X-ray film 3 days and 6 months after operation showed that anatomical structure of the calcaneus almost restored to the normal, and showed significant difference compared to before operation. There was no significant difference between 3 days and 6 months after operation. CT scan at the last follow-up showed anatomical restoration of posterior articular surface in 18 cases, only 2 cases had < 2 mm displacement of the articular surface. Conclusion: Our calcaneal external fixator can be used easily and effectively to treat open calcaneal fractures.