Assessment of Ilizarov's method in intraarticular calcaneal fractures

Background. Hindfoot dysfunction after intrarticular fracture of calcaneus are evokated by disturbances of muscle balance caused by change of bone shape and disturbances of talo-calcanear join function caused by secondary arthrosis of the joint. Goal of fracture treatment is restoring joint surfaces and the shape of calcaneus. It allow restoring function of foot and a correct gait. Material and methods. In the years 1997-2002 in Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology of Wrocław Medical University 45 patients with intrarticular fractures of calcaneus were treated. Closed reduction as well as external stabilisation with the use of Illizarov fixator was applied in 20 patients as method of choice, in accordance to our criteria. Observation period of the treated group extended from 6 months to 6 years. Results. To investigation answered 25 patients (21 men and 4 woman). In this group 11 patients with 14 fractures of calcaneal bone were treated with Ilizarov method. Restoration of anatomical conditions and secondary arthrosis were evaluated on the basis of x-ray examination and functional result of treatment simultaneously according to Olerud, Molander and Rowe evaluation form. Conclusions. In our analysis application of closed reduction and external fixation with Ilizarov device is a method of choice in cases when selected criteria are fulfilled.