[Biomechanical effects of intra-articular ankle bone fractures on the ankle joint. An experimental study]

Intraarticular heelbone fractures lead to cartilage damage by way of joint surface incongruence. This causes arthrosis of the lower ankle joint. The influence of a dislocated calcaneus fracture on the upper ankle joint was documented in an experimental study on eight cadaver legs. We performed an osteotomy of the calcaneus to imitate a typical fracture, placed a pressure film into the upper ankle joint and subjected the joint to axial pressure of 850 N. Changes in contact area and pressure pattern were measured in different flexion/extension positions of the foot. Results with respect to total contact area and high-pressure contact zone are discussed.