Ilizarov external fixators for maluninon of obsolete calcaneal fracture of Stephen Type III

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of Ilizarov external fixator for maluninon of obsolete calcaneal fracture of Stephen Type Ⅲ.Methods From July 2006 to February 2009, 25 patients suffering from maluninon of obsolete calcaneal fracture of Stephen Type 1 were treated with subtalar arthrodesis and calcaneal osteotomy followed by fixation with Ilizarov external fixator. They were 19 men and 6women, aged from 19 to 49 years. Fifteen left feet and 10 right feet were involved. The patients underwent previous operations from one to 5 times, averaging twice. The postoperative functions were evaluated by American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system.Results The average follow-up was 18.3 months (from 6 to 36 months). 81％ of the patients obtained anatomic or nearly anatomic reduction of the varus and valgus. The average AOFAS score was 79.4, with 2 excellent, 18 good, 4 fair and one poor cases.ConclusionSubtalar arthrodesis and calcaneal osteotomy followed by fixation with Ilizarov external fixator is effective for treating maluninon of obsolete calcaneal fracture of Stephen Type Ⅲ. Key words: Calcaneus; Fractures;  Arthrodesis;  External fixators