Publication:

Functional outcome of calcaneal locking compression plate

Background The calcaneus is the frequently injured tarsal bone.75% of calcaneal fractures are intraarticular. Treating calcaneal fractures is a challenge for orthopaedic surgeon due to complex fracture pathology. Our aim is to evaluate the functional outcome of calcaneum Locking compression plate in patients with intraarticular calcaneal fractures with Bohler’s angle <20 degree who are admitted in the department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Kottayam.

Methods In this study, 41 patients with 42 intraarticular calcaneal fractures were operated on with locking compression plate through lateral approach during the period of July 2015 to December 2016. Radiological evaluation done with X-rays. Bohler’s angle was measured from lateral view and those patients with angle <200 were selected for study. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for 24 weeks. Radiological assessment was done by Bohlers angle. Functional outcome was assessed using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale.

Results At 24 weeks follow up, 90.5% of the study population had excellent to good functional outcome and 9.5% had fair and none had poor result. All patients had stable hind foot with all having good dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. But some patients had limited inversion and eversion. The mean postoperative Bohler’s angle was 30.02±3.97.

Conclusions Open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate gives sound functional outcome, if the surgery is well timed. Anatomical articular reduction especially of the posterior facet to be achieved and restoration of Bohler’s angle to normal range to be attempted.