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[CT morphometry for calcaneal fractures and comparison of the Zwipp and Sanders classifications]
J Andermahr1, A B Jesch, H J Helling
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfall, Hand-und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Germany. jandermahr@t-online.de
Aim:
The aim of the study is to correlate the CT-morphological changes of fractured calcaneus and the classifications of Zwipp and Sanders with the clinical outcome.
Method:
In a retrospective clinical study, the preoperative CT scans of 75 calcaneal fractures were analysed. The morphometry of the fractures was determined by measuring height, length diameter and calcaneo-cuboidal angle in comparison to the intact contralateral side. At a mean of 38 months after trauma 44 patients were clinically followed-up. The data of CT image morphometry were correlated with the severity of fracture classified by Zwipp or Sanders as well as with the functional outcome.
Results:
There was a good correlation between the fracture classifications and the morphometric data. Both fracture classifying systems have a predictive impact for functional outcome. The more exacting and accurate Zwipp classification considers the most important cofactors like involvement of the calcaneo-cuboidal joint, soft tissue damage, additional fractures etc. The Sanders classification is easier to use during clinical routine.
Conclusion:
The Zwipp classification includes more relevant cofactors (fracture of the calcaneo-cuboidal-joint, soft tissue swelling, etc.) and presents a higher correlation to the choice of therapy. Both classification systems present a prognostic impact concerning the clinical outcome.