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Objective Accurate placement of the screws is challenging in percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of calcaneal fractures, and robot‐assisted (RA) surgery enhances the accuracy. We investigated the outcome of percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of Sander's type II and III calcaneal fractures. Methods This retrospective study analyzed clinical data of 26 patients with fresh closed calcaneal fractures (28 fractures) who were admitted to our center from January 2022 to July 2022. All fractures were divided into the RA group and the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) group according to the surgeries performed. RA surgery was performed by closed reduction or open reduction combined with a tarsal sinus approach. Age, sex, operation time, preoperative waiting time, length of postoperative hospital stay, wound complications, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) at 3 months postoperatively were compared. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters (calcaneal length, width, height, Böhler angle, and fixation rate of the sustentaculum tali) were documented. The chi‐square test, one‐way analysis of variance, and Wilcoxon test were used for the comparison of categorical, normally distributed, and nonnormally distributed continuous variables, respectively. Results The calcaneal width, height, and Böhler angle were significantly corrected postoperatively in both groups. The postoperative calcaneal lengths in both groups were also corrected. However, no significant difference was found. No significant differences in calcaneal length, width, height, and Böhler angle were observed between the two groups. The operation time (p

Objective Various surgical techniques have been reported in treating calcaneal malunions over the decades, while the operations on single plane were accompanied by respective limitations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel multiple reconstructive osteotomy for treating malunited calcaneal fractures without subtalar joint fusion. Methods From March 12, 2010, to August 17, 2017, 10 patients (10 feet) with malunited calcaneal fractures were treated with multiple reconstructive osteotomy with subtalar joint‐preserving operations. All patients were treated with a corrective osteotomy, joint realignment, soft tissue balancing, and secondary internal fixation at a mean of 5.6 ± 2.41 months since the initial injury. With the utilization of the multiple reconstructive osteotomy, the posterior facet was restored to preserve the subtalar joint. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a mean follow‐up of 3.04 ± 1.21 years. Results All patients were subjectively satisfied with the treatment. The average time to union was 12.2 ± 1.11 weeks. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle (AOFAS) ankle and hind foot score was 86.3 ± 4.45 (t = 27.64, P

The treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures is not standardized, as many surgeons prefer not to perform surgery, considering a high rate of cutaneous complications associated with the usual extensile lateral approach. The Calcanail® represents a percutaneous osteosynthesis device that is biomechanically more stable than multiple screws or locking plates. While it effectively restores the height and axis of the hindfoot, it appears to be less reliable in achieving articular reduction of the thalamic surface in cases of mixed fractures. Therefore, we developed a new technique suitable for comminuted mixed fractures, using the Calcanail® device with an arthroscopically guided closed reduction internal fixation of the thalamic surface.

To investigate the influence of the efficacy and prognosis of different methods for treating calcaneal fractures. 80 patients with calcaneal fracture were selected as research objects, and they were divided into two groups according to the random number distribution method. Group A was treated with percutaneous prying reduction combined with limited incision titanium plate fixation, while Group B was treated with external “ L” incision reduction and internal fixation on the foot. Compare various indicators such as postoperative complications between the two groups of patients. The results show that There is no statistically significant difference in Bohler angle, calcaneal width, Gissane angle, and Maryland foot function scores between the two groups before and after surgery (P > 0. 05). Compared within the group, after treatment, the width of Bohler, Gissane angle, and middle part of the calcaneus in the two groups of patients are higher than before treatment, with statistically significant differences (P < 0. 05 ). There are significant differences in treatment time, intraoperative bleeding volume, and incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P < 0. 05). In the treatment of calcaneal fractures, two different methods are compared and analyzed. The percutaneous prying and pulling technique fixation treatment can achieve satisfactory anatomical reduction, and is stable and reliable. The tarsal sinus approach has less trauma than the lateral L-shaped incision approach, which can effectively avoid the occurrence of skin edge necrosis and infection, and is more conducive to improving the clinical efficacy of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:. Calcaneal avulsion fractures (CAvFs) at the Achilles tendon insertion are among the more challenging fractures to treat. Although rare, they often require reoperation. The optimal treatment, including nonsurgical procedures and better implants for surgical procedures in the treatment of CAvFs, remains to be established. Therefore, our study aimed to (1) perform a descriptive evaluation of CAvFs, including cases managed nonsurgically, and (2) assess surgical procedures, including the incidence of complications and reoperation for surgically treated CAvFs. Methods:. In this multicenter retrospective study, we collected data of patients with CAvFs treated at 9 hospitals from 2012 to 2022. We performed a descriptive study of CAvFs and compared postoperative complications and reoperation rates for multiple surgical techniques and implants. The size of the bone fragments was quantified. Results:. The data of 70 patients with CAvFs were analyzed; 20 patients were treated nonsurgically, and 50 were treated surgically. The mean age of patients was 68.5 years; 67% of the patients were female. Nineteen percent of the patients had diabetes, and 19% had osteoporosis. The incidence of postoperative complications was 30%, with infection in 14%, necrosis in 26%, and loss of reduction in 18%. The reoperation rate was 22%. Surgical techniques with use of cannulated cancellous screws were performed in 80% of the surgical cases. Cannulated cancellous screw (CCS) fixation alone resulted in a reoperation rate of 35%, whereas additional augmentation, including washers with CCS fixation, resulted in a reoperation rate of 10%. CCS fixation was successfully performed, although suture anchors were used in some cases with smaller fragments. Conclusions:. CAvFs occurred more frequently in older women and had a high rate of postoperative complications. A combination of CCS with augmentation was more effective at reducing postoperative complications than CCS fixation alone, even when the bone fragment size was small. Level of Evidence:. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes following suturing of sheath of peroneal tendons to the calcaneal plate as an innovative technique for reduction of peroneal tendon instability (PTI) accompanying calcaneal fracture surgically treated via extensile lateral approach (ELA)., Methods: In a retrospective comparative study, among 245 operatively treated calcaneal fractures through ELA, we had 33 cases with PTI who underwent relocation of the peroneal tendons with ethibond suture in a figure-of-8 shape, passed through 2 parts of sheath of peroneal tendons and stitched to the calcaneal plate. Of the 33 cases, 12 were evaluated in the experimental group. Twelve surgically treated calcaneal fractures without PTI were matched as the control group. The outcome of the patients was assessed by American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, Foot Function Index (FFI) percentage, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, changes in Tegner activity level, maximal peroneal muscles strength testing, modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT), and triple hop for distance (THD) test. For the last 3 tests, the difference between operated and normal feet was calculated for each patient and this difference was compared between the 2 groups., Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (P = .09), FFI percentage (P = .12), VAS pain (P = .73), changes in Tegner activity level (P = .87), maximal peroneal muscles strength testing (P = .45), mSEBT (P > .05), and THD (P = .87) tests. We had a case with point tenderness on retromalleolar groove and 4 cases with paresthesia in the territory of the sural nerve in the experimental group in contrary to one case of sural nerve paresthesia in the control group (P = .31)., Conclusions: Relocation of peroneal tendons in PTI accompanying calcaneal fractures by fixing sheath of peroneal tendons to the calcaneal plate could be an acceptable procedure with good outcomes but may have increased chance of sural nerve injury., Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III: Retrospective., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Introduction: Extreme beak calcaneal fractures (Type 2 Lee's tuberosity avulsion fractures) are rare injuries, accounting for only 1.3-3% of all calcaneal fractures. These injuries are considered as surgical emergency as they can lead to significant functional impairment and soft-tissue compromise if not promptly managed. This study evaluates the efficacy of cannulated cancellous (CC) screw fixation for these fractures., Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 14 patients with extreme beak calcaneal fracture (Type 2 Lee's - tuberosity avulsion fractures) treated with CC screw fixation was conducted in VMMCH, Karaikal, Puducherry between June 2022 and June 2023. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scale., Results: The mean AOFAS score at the final follow-up was 89.3 (range 78-98). Radiographic union was achieved in all cases by 20 weeks with a mean union time of 13.09 weeks in closed fractures and 18 weeks in open fractures. One patient developed a superficial wound infection without any alarming signs of hardware issues, which resolved eventually. No hardware failures or need for revision surgeries were observed., Conclusion: Early intervention with CC screw fixation appears to be an effective and safe technique for the treatment of extreme beak calcaneal fracture (Type 2 Lee's - tuberosity avulsion fractures), resulting in excellent functional outcomes and a low complication rate., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: Nil, (Copyright: © Indian Orthopaedic Research Group.)

Objective: To investigate the effect of acetic acid shockwave phonophoresis on spur morphology, foot pain, and function in patients with calcaneal spurs., Design: A double-blinded, randomised clinical trial., Setting: Outpatients physical therapy clinics., Participants: One hundred forty-seven patients with calcaneal spurs, 18-65 years old, were randomly allocated to three equal groups., Intervention: The study group (A) received acetic acid shockwave phonophoresis plus conventional physical therapy. The study group (B) received shockwave therapy plus conventional physical therapy. The control group received conventional physical therapy programme only. Interventions were applied twice a week for 3 weeks., Outcome Measures: Calcaneal spur width, calcaneal spur length, pain intensity level, pain pressure threshold and foot and ankle ability measure activities of daily living subscale were measured at baseline, after 3 weeks of interventions and after 4 weeks of follow-up with no intervention., Results: Between-group differences were observed for calcaneal spur width and length, pain intensity, pain pressure threshold and function after 3 weeks favouring Group A ( p  < 0.001). Mean differences (95% CI) between study groups were -1.11 mm (-1.46, -0.77) for spur width; -1.34 mm (-1.67, -1.01) for spur length; -20.71 mm (-24.66, -16.77) for pain; 1.45 kg/cm 2 (1.05, 1.85) for pain pressure threshold; and 12.16 points (9.24, 15.09) for function after 3 weeks., Conclusions: Acetic acid shockwave phonophoresis combined with exercise clinically and statistically improves calcaneal spur width, length, pain intensity, pain pressure threshold and foot function more than shockwave therapy alone or conventional physical therapy. This method might be considered an effective, feasible, safe, non-invasive and locally applicable treatment for heel spurs., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Addressing hindfoot varus via calcaneal osteotomy with simultaneous peroneal tendon repair from a single incision has not been thoroughly assessed. Some concerns with one incision are wound complications, nerve damage, and symptomatic hardware., Methods: Patients operated on by one surgeon May 2012 to January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed with minimum 2-year follow-up via in-person visit, telephone, and chart review. Patients with peroneal tendon repair in conjunction with a modified Dwyer (with lateral shift) osteotomy fixated with a laterally applied locking plate were included. Those whose osteotomies were fixated with posteriorly applied screws were excluded., Results: Fifteen patients were assessed, 13 males and 2 females, average age 56.9 ± 9.9 years. There were no wound complications or nerve injuries. One patient elected to have plate removal. There was 1 deep vein thrombosis. Return to activity including sports was 5.3 ± 1.3 months. On average, postoperative Roles and Maudsley and AOFAS hindfoot scores improved to "significant from pre-treatment" 11 with "excellent" results., Conclusion: Peroneal tendon repair can be performed through the same incision as a modified Dwyer calcaneal osteotomy to address hindfoot varus deformity. In this series, there were no wound or nerve issues., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Amol Saxena, DPM, MPH, reports disclosures relevant to this article from Trimed, Inc: royalty & speaker fees. Disclosure forms for all authors are available online.

For lengthening irregular bones, such as calcaneus, there are few reports in the literature. This study aimed to introduce the treatment strategy and preliminary outcomes for calcaneus shortening using calcaneal body lengthening. From January 2017 to January 2022, calcaneal lengthening was conducted for three patients (two males and one female) who suffered from traumatic calcaneal shortening. The Achilles tendon was lengthened in one patient. After osteotomy of the calcaneus, an Ilizarov frame was used to gradually (1 mm/day) distract the calcaneal fragment. The lengthening procedure was stopped when the calcaneal height and length were restored based on radiography. The fixator was removed after bone union. The average follow‐up length was 18 months (range, 14–24 months). X‐ray was used for radiological assessments. Patients reported satisfaction using the 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS). Clinical outcome was evaluated following the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle score. All data were assessed by two physicians blind to clinical assessments. The wound healed primarily in three cases. The bone got solid union without refracture and malunion. The distraction time was 30 days (range, 25–45 days). The fixation time was 113.3 days (average, 80–150 days). Calcaneal lengthening was 26 mm (range, 15–43 mm). The height and length of the calcaneus were restored nearly to the same as the opposite foot. The mean preoperative calcaneal pitch angle increased from 2.6 degrees to an average of 19.0 degrees after the surgery. The AOFAS score increased from 60.0 to 86.0. One patient experienced pin infection. The infection healed after changing the dressing. Calcaneal lengthening using an Ilizarov external fixator is a preferable technique to restore the length and height of the calcaneus and can achieve satisfactory foot function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for incision infection after plate internal fixation for calcaneal fractures by a traditional lateral L-shaped approach. Methods The clinical data of 302 patients with calcaneal fractures who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2012 to June 2018 were retrospectively analysed, consisting of 177 males and 125 females. The enrolled patients were aged 21 to 75 years, with a mean age of 47.72 years. According to the Sanders classification, 108 patients were type II, 138 patients were type III, and 56 cases were type IV. A univariate analysis was conducted with sex, age, smoking history, history of diabetes, cause of injury, Sanders type, tension blisters, time from injury to surgery, preoperative haemoglobin, preoperative albumin, operation time, and bone grafting as possible risk factors. The factors with statistically significant differences were selected for multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. The clinical cut-off values of these risk factors were calculated using characteristic curves. Results The follow-up lasted for at least 1 year for all patients, with a mean follow-up time of 15.8 months. The results demonstrated 7.9% (24/302) infection rate after plate internal fixation of calcaneal fractures by the traditional lateral L-shaped approach. Univariate analysis showed that a history of diabetes, preoperative albumin, preoperative haemoglobin, time from injury to surgery, and operation time were correlated with incision infection (p

Background: The artificial bone grafts are performed on the defect after reduction of the calcaneal fracture. Generally, it is an artificial bone graft with an implant, and there are a few reports of an artificial bone graft without an implant. Cases: We report three cases (42-year-old male, 67-year-old male, 21-year-old female) of a tongue-shaped calcaneal fracture treated using a cylindrical unidirectional porous β-tricalcium phosphate artificial bone (Affinos®, Kurare co Ltd., Hyougo, Japan) to surgically repair bone defects after reduction. The bone defect is often observed when fracture is reduced in calcaneal fracture. There were significant bone defects, which were then fixed using Affinos® (forming a cylindrical shape block; diameter 10 mm x height 20 mm) to support the bone fragment, an artificial β-tricalcium phosphate bone with a porosity of 57 % (pore size 25–300 μm), characterized by a novel unidirectional porous structure. Postoperative early rehabilitation started with partial load from 5 weeks after surgery and was full weight bearing at 9 weeks after surgery. There was no correction loss and good bone fusion was obtained. By 12 months postoperatively, patients were able to be walking without pain and absorption and bone fusion around the artificial bone were observed maintaining the morphology immediately after reduction. The result was a good clinical result of one excellent (92 points) and two good (81 and 84 points) 1 year after surgery in the postoperative AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Conclusion: Affinos® has a frost-like structure, which endows it with good tissue invasive properties because of the capillary effect. Moreover, it has excellent osteoconduction capability. In these 3 cases, Affinos® showed good strength, affinity, absorption, and bone substitution in a tongue-shaped calcaneal fracture. Further prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

Introduction: Subtalar dislocation is defined by a simultaneous total separation of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints. Lateral variety is the rarest. It is the result of a high energy trauma. It occurs following forced eversion, with the foot locked in a rut with pressure on the lateral aspect of the leg. Articular fractures of the calcaneus occur as a result of axial impact on the greater tuberosity.We report the case of a lateral subtalar dislocation associated with a calcaneal fracture. Case presentation: A 62-year-old man who presented to the emergency room following a 9 m fall. Initial examination revealed a swelling of the right foot and ankle with a deformity giving the appearance of a “flat foot” without skin opening. The neuro-vascular examination was normal.A radiological assessment including an antero-posterior and lateral X-ray of the right ankle and a axial view if the calcaneus, showed a calcaneal articular fracture and a lateral dislocation of the subtalar joint. CT scan confirmed the diagnosis. Closed reduction by external maneuvers failed. Through a lateral mini-approach centered on the subtalar joint, open reduction of the dislocation was achieved and controlled fluoroscopically. Osteosynthesis of the calcaneal fracture was performed using a percutaneous pinning. Consolidation was obtained at 3 months post-operatively.At the last follow-up, the patient reported occasional pain. The radiological assessment showed early arthritic changes of the subtalar joint. Conclusion: In rare cases of subtalar dislocation, the direction of displacement, associated bone injuries, and open reduction would be responsible for a poor functional outcome. At present, there is no certain way to avoid subtalar osteoarthritis.

Introduction: Ankle and hindfoot arthritis are debilitating conditions, that require arthrodesis for pain-free ankle joints. In case of limited bone stock due to distorted talus bulk of allograft or femoral head allograft can be used along with talar remnant to maintain height during arthrodesis by Tibio-Talo-Calcaneal nail. Objective: In our study, we aim to present the cases of subtalar and ankle joints which involve reconstructing the talus with femoral head allograft in limited bone stock and fixing with a Tibio-Talo-Calcaneal nail. Methods: Three consecutive patients of subtalar and ankle joints have undergone TTC nail with talus reconstruction by femoral head allograft. Patient-followed and evaluated on outcome criteria by; Visual analog score, AOFAS score, allograft uptake, time to fusion, and complications. Result: The average age was 45.67 years. Pain and swelling were the most common symptoms. The deformity was seen in patients with Charcot's Neuropathy (cases 1 and 2). Type II DM was an associated risk factor in 2/3 of patients. The mean preoperative AOFAS and VAS scores were 39.3 and 5.67, respectively, and at the final follow-up, the mean AOFAS and VAS scores were 83 and 1.67. The uptake of femoral head allograft as a substitute for talar head was seen in all cases, and the meantime for arthrodesis was 7.67 months. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the talar body with allograft and arthrodesis with TTC nail in case of advanced arthritis of the hindfoot is found to have good surgical, clinical, and functional outcomes and an increase in overall patient satisfaction.

Background: Pathologies related to the Achilles tendon (AT) and its insertion are a very prevalent problem. A thorough understanding of its anatomy would assist us to develop and fine-tune treatment options for the same. Hence, a study was done to identify the anatomical footprint of the insertion of AT on the calcaneal tuberosity (CT). Methodology: A cadaveric study was conducted, in which 27 human lower limbs (18 cadavers) were dissected to determine the insertion site of all three fascicles of the AT on the CT. The width of the insertion and thickness of the AT 1 cm proximal to the insertion were also calculated. Results: Rotation of AT, presence of three individual fascicles for each muscle belly, and insertion of these fascicles were consistent throughout the 27 lower extremities dissected. The average width of its insertion is 26.62 mm, with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.98 mm. The average thickness of the AT 1 cm proximal to the insertion was found to be 8.06 mm with a SD of 2.18 mm. Conclusion: These findings are of worth to the ankle and foot surgeons for a better understanding of the insertional tendinopathies and partial thickness tears of AT to design better surgical options for its repair and modulate the conservative management in terms of physiotherapy to the South Indian population.

Background: Despite known disparities in pediatric perioperative outcomes, few studies have examined factors associated with the use of regional anesthesia for pediatric orthopedic surgery. Aims: This investigation aimed to determine if minority and developmental disability status were associated with the allocation of peripheral nerve blocks in calcaneal osteotomy. Methods: We conducted a single‐center, retrospective study of records of patients <18 years who underwent calcaneal osteotomy from 2013 to 2023. Regional technique was classified into three groups: popliteal‐sciatic single‐shot block, popliteal‐sciatic catheter, and no block. Patients were classified as either nonminority (white, non‐Hispanic) or minority. Developmental disability status was defined based on medical history and classified as binary. Anesthesiologists were classified as "regional" or "nonregional" based on clinical expertise. A Bayesian hierarchical multinomial model with random intercepts for patients and surgeons was used to investigate the association of minority status, developmental disability, and anesthesiologist expertise with block selection. Results: We analyzed 287 cases in 225 patients; of these, 55% occurred in minority patients and 28% occurred in patients with developmental disability. Catheters were placed in 45% of cases, single shot blocks in 41%, and no block in 14%. Minority and nonminority patients had a similar likelihood of receiving of any block. Patients with developmental disability had a −22% absolute difference of receiving any block (95% credible interval [−38%, −7%]) compared to those without developmental disability (55% vs. 77%), an effect primarily driven by a lower rate of catheter placement in these children. Regional anesthesiologists were more likely to place catheters (23% absolute increase; 36% vs. 13%) and more likely to perform any block in children with developmental disability (30% absolute increase; 67% vs. 37%) than nonregional anesthesiologists. Conclusions: Decision‐making surrounding the placement of regional anesthesia techniques is complex. In this study, developmental disability status and anesthesiologist experience were associated with a difference in the use of regional anesthesia in patients undergoing calcaneal osteotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative heel pain arising from prominent screw heads is a common complication following medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO). This study aims to present the clinicoradiographic outcomes of a novel MDCO technique, wherein intramedullary fixation of a conventional low-profile locking wedge plate is employed. Methods: A retrospective analysis, involving a comparison of clinical and radiographic parameters among consecutive patients who underwent MDCO was conducted. The patients were subjected to either intramedullary wedge plate fixation through the osteotomy site (IWPF group, n = 45 cases) or conventional cannulated screw fixation from the heel (CCSF group, n = 51 cases). Radiographic evaluation included measurement of hindfoot alignment angle, alignment ratio, and moment arm. Clinical outcomes were measured with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) activities of daily living and sports subscales, before and at 6, 12, and ≥24 months postoperatively. The presence of heel pain was evaluated at the postoperative 6 and 12 months in both groups. Results: For both groups, a marked enhancement in all 3 radiographic parameters was observed. The extent of correction for all clinicoradiographic parameters demonstrated no statistically significant divergence between the 2 groups. However, the FAAM-Sports scores at the 6-month postoperative juncture exhibited a significant elevation in the IWPF group relative to the CCSF group. Importantly, no patient reported heel pain at postoperative 6 and 12 months in the IWPF group whereas the rates of patients having heel pain at postoperative 6 and 12 months were 56.8% (29 cases) and 33.3% (17 cases), respectively, in the CCSF group. Conclusion: Both techniques yield analogous postoperative clinical and radiographic enhancements. However, the utilization of IWPF promotes a swifter clinical improvement with respect to sports activities when juxtaposed with the CCSF from the calcaneal tuberosity. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]