Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures - Osteosynthesis with Calcaneal Locking Compression Plate - Contribution to Fill Defect in Body of Calcaneus

Calcaneal fractures are common injuries that prevent patients from getting on with their normal life for a long time. They are usually caused by axial forces leading to impaction of the talus into the calcaneus. Falls and jumps from heights are the most common causes. These fractures also occur bilaterally. We used open reduction and internal fixation with a calcaneal LCP for the treatment of 98 patients with 114 calcaneal fractures in our department from August 2005 till December 2011. Bilateral fractures of the calcaneus occurred in 16 patients - 2 women and 14 men. On the day of injury plain radiographs of the calcaneus in lateral and axial projection were taken. Computed tomography was performed in all operated patients in sagittal, transversal and coronal planes. On the basis of CT findings the fractures were classified as Sanders types I - IV. Patients with type II and III fractures were indicated for surgical ORIF treatment. The results were evaluated using the Rowe score. The aim of the experimental work was to assess the biomechanical strength of the calcaneus without fracture and to compare it with the strength of the calcaneus after the osteosynthesis with an angular stable plate alone or in combination with filling of the calcaneal defect with injectable self-hardening hydroxyapatite..