Treatment of a compound calcaneus fracture Sanders IV with an external circular fixator and calcaneal osteotomy

Ofer Heinig; Elia Feicht; Assil Mahamid; Roman Liberson; Claude Picard; Aharon Liberson

doi:10.1016/j.tcr.2023.100850

Treatment of a compound calcaneus fracture Sanders IV with an external circular fixator and calcaneal osteotomy

Trauma Case Rep. 2023 May 20:46:100850. doi: 10.1016/j.tcr.2023.100850. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Authors

Ofer Heinig¹, Elia Feicht¹, Assil Mahamid², Roman Liberson¹, Claude Picard¹, Aharon Liberson¹

Affiliations

¹ Foot & Ankle Unite, Laniado University Hospital, Adelson Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
² Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

Abstract

Compound Gustilo-type III intra-articular calcaneus fractures are challenging to treat. Anatomical reduction of the subtalar joint increases the chances of a better functional outcome and is traditionally achieved by an open reduction and plating. Conversely, ORIF is associated with a high risk of infection and even amputation. In our case study, we present the treatment of a Gustilo-type III intra-articular calcaneus fracture with a circular external fixator and a temporary antibiotic cement spacer for fracture reduction and stabilization. Active bio-glass was implanted to fill bone loss and to prevent infection. A closing-wedge calcaneal tuberosity osteotomy was used to facilitate wound closure. We paid special attention to reducing the posterior facet. The patient returned to work and full ambulation five months post-injury.

Keywords: Calcaneal fracture; Compound; External fixation; Ilizarov technique.

Publication types

Case Reports