[Preliminary effectiveness of I.T.S. locking plate for intra-articular calcaneal fractures]

To summarize the preliminary effectiveness of I.T.S. locking plate for intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Between July 2010 and July 2011, 18 cases of intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated. There were 10 males and 8 females with an average age of 46 years (range, 25-64 years). According to Sanders classification system, there were 3 cases of type II, 9 cases of type III, and 6 cases of type IV. The disease duration was 5-11 days (mean, 6 days). Open reduction and internal fixation with I.T.S. locking plate were performed via an L-shaped lateral extending incision.

Superficial infection occurred in 1 case, and was cured after dressing changing; healing of incision by first intention was obtained in the other cases. Sixteen cases were followed up 14 months on average (range, 12-18 months). X-ray films demonstrated the bone union in all cases with an average union time of 12 weeks (range, 10-14 weeks). No implant failure or irritation of peroneal tendon occurred during follow-up. X-ray films showed subtalar post-traumatic arthritis with mild pain in 1 case at 11 months after operation, which was relieved by conservative treatment. At last follow-up, the Böhler angle was improved from (12.9 +/- 3.2) degrees preoperatively to (33.8 +/- 4.0) degrees postoperatively, showing significant difference (t = 22.78, P = 0.00); the Gissane angle was improved from (83.6 +/- 6.4) degrees preoperatively to (119.9 +/- 8.5) degrees postoperatively, showing significant difference (t = 17.02, P = 0.00). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 1.3 +/- 1.2, and the ankle and hindfoot scale of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) was 80.3 +/- 7.9 at last follow-up.

Treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fracture with I.T.S. locking plate can obtain a stable fixation, which is a safe and effective method.