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VOLUME 5 , ISSUE 2 ( August, 2010 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Subtalar versus triple arthrodesis after intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Tim Schepers, Brenda C. T. Kieboom, Gert H. J. M. Bessems, Lucas M. M. Vogels, Esther M. M. van Lieshout, Peter Patka

Keywords : Calcaneus, Arthrodesis, Outcome

Citation Information : Schepers T, Kieboom BC, Bessems GH, Vogels LM, van Lieshout EM, Patka P. Subtalar versus triple arthrodesis after intra-articular calcaneal fractures. 2010; 5 (2):97-103.

DOI: 10.1007/s11751-010-0084-x

License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Published Online: 01-01-2020

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2010; The Author(s).


Abstract

Depending upon initial treatment, between 2 and 30% of patients with a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture require a secondary arthrodesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of subtalar versus triple arthrodesis on functional outcome. A total of 33 patients with 37 secondary arthrodeses (17 subtalar and 20 triple) with a median follow-up of 116 months were asked to complete questionnaires regarding disease-specific functional outcome (Maryland Foot Score, MFS), quality of life (SF-36) and overall satisfaction with the treatment (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS). Patient groups were comparable considering median age at fracture, initial treatment (conservative or operative), time to arthrodesis, median follow-up, and post-arthrodesis radiographic angles. The MFS score was similar after subtalar versus triple arthrodesis (59 vs. 56 points; P = 0.79). No statistically significant difference was found for the SF-36 (84 vs. 83 points; P = 0.67) and the VAS (5 vs. 6; P = 0.21). Smoking was statistically significantly associated with a non-union (χ2 = 6.60, P = 0.017). The current study suggests that there is no significant difference in functional outcome between an in situ subtalar or triple arthrodesis as a salvage technique for symptomatic arthrosis after an intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Smoking is a risk factor for non-union.


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