Calcaneal fractures cause a lateral load shift in Chopart joint contact stress and plantar pressure pattern in vitro

In order to evaluate the effects of the anatomical changes after calcaneal fractures on joint loading characteristics we investigated the effects of simulated calcaneal fractures on intra-articular loading in the Chopart joint and on plantar pressure patterns in vitro. Five fresh-frozen lower leg specimens were axially loaded with 500 N in three positions: neutral, 10 degrees plantarflexion and 10 degrees dorsiflexion. The loading characteristics were determined before and after creating a tongue-type fracture by osteotomy. Plantar loading patterns were measured with a capacitive pressure distribution platform. Intra-articular contact areas and pressures were recorded on pressure sensitive film introduced into the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joint. Increased loading in the calcaneocuboid joint (+25%,p = 0.005) and decreased loading in the talonavicular joint (-16%,p = 0.01) corresponded to increased loading of the lateral aspects of the plantar surface. These findings were independent of the foot position. The results suggest that the effects of increased lateral foot loading which have been observed in calcaneal fracture patients (Rosenbaum et al., Clin. Biomech. 10, 345-351, 1995) are caused by changes in joint kinematics and do not appear to result from a protective gait pattern established after the injury.