FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF DISPLACED INTRA-ARTICULAR FRACTURES TREATED WITH CONTOURED LOCKING PLATES AND SCREWS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Calcaneal fractures are the most common tarsal bone fractures. If fractured, they cause signicant morbidity since they occur mostly in young working adults.there is signicant disagreement as to the method of treatment of these fractures. AIM: to determine outcome of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture treated by ORIF with plate and screw xation METHOD: a prospective interventional study involving 20 patients with calcaneal fractures treated with orif and plating and outcome measured at intervals of 2 and 6 weeks; and 3 and 6 months with parameters of Bohler ratio, heel width and subtalar movements and functional assessment using Creighton-Nebraska score (CNHF score). RESULT: this study shows that 65% of patients were below 40 years of age. All fractures subsequently went for union. 80% went for excellent to good results.older age and reduced Bohler ratio had poorer prognosis. Subtalar arthritis may lead to arthrodesis of this joint as occurred in 3 of our patients. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and xation with contoured locking plates gives excellent to good results in fractures that are not grossly comminuted. Bohlers ratio is a reliable indicator of prognosis. Sub-talar arthrodesis is not the rst line surgical intervention in fractures of calcaneum. Increasing age is associated with poorer outcome in displaced intra articular calcaneum fractures.