Early Outcomes of Operative Treatment and Fixation to Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures via T-Shaped Plates

Abstract

Background: Calcaneal fractures correspond to 2% of skeletal fractures and about 60% of fractures of the tarsal bones. Displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture is still until now a controversial topic among orthopedic surgeons. There is no single treatment option to manage all different fractures.The aim of this study was to the assessment and evaluation of providing and maintaining stable fixation by the use of T-shaped plate for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Patients and Methods: The study conducted in the orthopedic and traumatology department of Zagazig university hospital from August 2020 to April 2021 with follow-up period of six months.In this study, 18 patients were conducted between the ages of 18 to 50y, all patients with closed D.I.A.C.F with no morbidity. All patients undergo proper clinical and radiological evaluation before making the operation via ELA or STA according to each patient and pattern of fracture, and all cases were fixed by the use of small T-shaped plates. Results:This study, showed highly significant improvement (p<0.001) between different preoperative and final follow up measurements including; Bohler angle, Gissane angle, and calcaneus height and significant improvement (p<0.05) regarding to the calcaneus length and width.Conclusion:T-shaped plates can provide stable support and rigid fixation as they maintain proper reduction and alignment to displaced intra articular calcaneus fractures.