Calcaneal Reconstruction for the Late Complication of Calcaneus Fracture

Abstract

Calcaneal fracture is the most common fracture in the tarsal bones. Treatment is difficult because the patterns of fracture are various and complications occur frequently. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of calcaneal reconstruction for chronic complications after calcaneal fracture. From September 2001 to November 2004, calcaneal reconstruction was performed in 24 patients (25 feet). We reviewed 21 patients (22 feet) who could be followed up >2 years postoperatively. Patients who underwent subtalar arthrodesis and simple bone resection were excluded. Patients who underwent calcaneal sliding osteotomy were included. Nineteen men and 2 women ranged in age from 27 to 54 years (mean, 44.4 years). The mean interval between the first operation and reconstructive operation was 11.2 months (range, 3-31 months). The mean follow-up period after calcaneal reconstruction was 29.8 months (range, 24-38 months). Bohler angle, calcaneal pitch, and talocalcaneal height were checked pre- and postoperatively. The most common patient report was pain on the inferior aspect of the lateral malleolus (16 patients) and calcaneal tuberosity (3 patients). All the mean values of talocalcaneal height, calcaneal pitch, and Bohler angle improved, which was statistically significant. In the postoperative period, 10 patients were very satisfied, 9 were satisfied, and 3 were not satisfied. Although pain did not completely resolve, all patients were satisfied postoperatively.