Bilateral calcaneal insufficiency fractures due to chronic carbamazepine use for trigeminal neuralgia: A case report.

Stress fractures of calcaneus are uncommon cause of heel pain. Stress fractures could be seen in risc groups such as metabolic diseases/medications causing poor bone quality and exposing repetitive microtrauma. Anti-epileptic drug (AED) use is related with poor bone quality and increased fracture risc. Although carbamazepine-induced stress fracture is a well-known entity and there are case reports in other bones such as the femoral neck, bilateral calcaneal insufficiency fractures is an extraordinary location. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting an insufficiency fracture involving calcaneus in the relevant literature. Due to the rarity of both conditions, we decided to present and discuss this patient. When patients receiving AED treatment present with heel pain without previous plantar fasciitis history or traumatic event, insufficiency fractures should be kept in mind. This case highlights the importance of screening adverse effect of CBZ on bone metabolism in patients with long CBZ use. We report here a 41-year-old lady suffering from bilateral heel pain without trauma history. Her complaining did not respond to analgesics and stretching exercises of plantar fascia. In her past medical history she reported ongoing carbamazepine (CBZ) use over 8 years for trigeminal neuralgia. She had had low bone mineral density; defined as osteopenia. Both calcaneus MRI revealed bilateral stress fractures of calcaneum. She had been advised immobilization for 6 weeks, vitamin D and calcium supplements. CBZ has been stopped by neurology specialist and she had undergone microvascular decompression surgery for intractable pain of trigeminal neuralgia. She is doing well with full recovery from heel pain and trigeminal neuralgia at the end of one year. CBZ use causes poor bone quality through vitamin D metabolism. Heel pain without traumatic event, objective findings of plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur syndrome in an CBZ using patient insufficiency fracture of calcaneus should be remembered and evaluated rigorously.

Determination of Pathogens in Postoperative Wound Infection After Surgically Reduced Calcaneal Fractures and Implications for Prophylaxis and Treatment.

High rates of postoperative wound infection (POWI) have been reported after surgery for calcaneal fractures. This is a retrospective cohort study to determine the causative pathogens of these infections and subsequent treatment strategies. In addition, microbacterial growth from superficial wound swabs and deep fluid or tissue cultures were compared. Patients with a unilateral surgically treated calcaneal fracture during a 15-year period were included. Patient, fracture, and surgical characteristics were collected from the electronic medical records. An infection was categorized as deep or superficial using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Secondary outcomes were wound edge necrosis and wound dehiscence. The collection of culture swabs, their results, and treatment strategies were documented. Of 357 patients, 92 (26%) developed a POWI; 55 (60%) deep and 37 (40%) superficial. The most frequent causative pathogens were Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus. Of the 55 patients with deep infection, 31 (56%) were treated with intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement, 2 (4%) with intravenous antibiotics, and 22 (40%) with implant removal. In 33 of 92 patients (36%) with a POWI, both superficial and deep cultures were obtained, with a microorganism not cultured from the superficial swab 13 (39%) times. In conclusion, we found that one quarter of patients with operative calcaneal fracture treatment developed a POWI, mainly caused by Enterobacteriaceae or S. aureus. Physicians should not rely on the results of superficially obtained cultures for adequate treatment of deep infection. Because the spectrum of sensitivity profiles varies greatly between hospitals and countries, we recommend empiric antibiotic treatment of both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms on suspicion of deep infection.

Luxo-fractura de Chopart / Fracture-luxation de l'articulation de Chopart / Chopart luxo-fracture

La articulación de Chopart o transversa del tarso está constituida por la articulación calcaneocuboidea y la astragaloescafoidea. Las lesiones que ocurren en estas articulaciones se conocen como luxo-fractura de Chopart y son extremadamente raras. Entre las causas más frecuentes se encuentran los accidentes en motocicletas y las caídas de altura. El tratamiento es la reducción anatómica y fijación estable. La necrosis avascular del astrágalo, así como la artritis postraumática son las complicaciones más temidas. Con este trabajo se pretende describir la conducta y evolución perioperatoria de dos pacientes con luxo-fractura de Chopart, atendidos en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Militar Central Dr Luis Díaz Soto. Fueron diagnosticados tempranamente y se les realizó reducción abierta más fijación interna con una recuperación en los primeros tres meses. La baja prevalencia de la luxo-fractura de Chopart requiere un diagnóstico adecuado y correcto para lograr un buen resultado clínico(AU)

The Chopart joint or transverse tarsus is constituted by the calcaneocuboid and the astragaloescafoidea joints. The injuries that occur in these joints are known as Chopart luxo-fracture and are extremely rare. Motorcycle accidents and falls from heights are among the most frequent causes of Chopart luxo-fractures. The treatment is the anatomical reduction and stable fixation. The avascular necrosis of the talus, as well as post-traumatic arthritis are the most feared complications. This paper aims to describe the behavior and perioperative evolution of two patients with Chopart luxo-fracture, treated in the Emergency Service at Dr Luis Díaz Soto Central Military Hospital. They were early diagnosed and underwent open reduction and internal fixation. They recovered in the first three months. The low prevalence of Chopart luxo-fracture requires adequate and correct diagnosis to achieve good clinical results(AU)

L'articulation de Chopart, ou médio-tarsienne, est constituée de deux articulations distinctes: l'articulation calcanéo-cuboïdienne et l'articulation astragalo-scaphoïdienne. Les lésions produites dans ces articulations sont connues comme des fractures-luxations de l'articulation de Chopart, et sont assez rares. Parmi les causes les plus fréquentes, on peut trouver les accidents du trafic (surtout, de moto) et les chutes de haut. Le traitement consiste généralement à une réduction anatomique et une fixation stable. La nécrose avasculaire de l'astragale et l'arthrite post-traumatique sont les complications les plus souvent à craindre. Le but de ce travail est de décrire le comportement et l'évolution péri-opératoire de deux patients atteints d'une fracture-luxation de l'articulation de Chopart, et traités au service d'urgence de l'hôpital militaire Dr Luis Díaz Soto. Ils sont rapidement diagnostiqués, et traités par réduction ouverte et fixation interne. Leur récupération est réussie en trois mois. La faible prévalence de la fracture-luxation de l'articulation de Chopart exige un diagnostic précis pour atteindre de bons résultats cliniques(AU)

Comparison of percutaneous cannulated screw fixation and calcium sulfate cement grafting versus minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach and plate fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) remains challenging and controversial. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare percutaneous reduction, cannulated screw fixation and calcium sulfate cement (PR+CSC) grafting with minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach and plate fixation (MISTA) for treatment of DIACFs. METHODS: Ultimately, 80 patients with a DIACFs were randomly allocated to receive either PR+CSC (N = 42) or MISTA (N = 38). Functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scores. Radiological results were assessed using plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans, and postoperative wound-related complications were also recorded. RESULTS: The average time from initial injury to operation and the average operation time in the PR+CSC group were both significantly shorter than those in the MISTA group (p < 0.05). There were significantly fewer complications in the PR+CSC group than those in the MISTA group (7.1 % vs 28.9 %, p < 0.001). The calcaneal width immediate postoperatively and at the final follow-up in the MISTA group were obviously improved compared to those in the PR+CSC group (p < 0.001). The variables of sagittal motion and hindfoot motion of the AOFAS scoring system in the PR+CSC group were significantly higher than those in the MISTA group (p < 0.05). The good and excellent results in the two groups were comparable for Sanders Type-II calcaneal fractures, but the good to excellent rate in the MISTA group was significantly higher for Sanders Type-III fractures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes are comparable between the two minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of Sanders Type-II DIACFs. The PR+CSC grafting is superior to the MISTA in terms of the average time between initial injury and operation, operation time, wound-related complications and subtalar joint activity. However, the MISTA has its own advantages in improving the calcaneal width, providing a more clear visualization and accurate reduction of the articular surface, especially for Sanders Type-III DIACFs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTRIOR16008512 . 21 May 2016.

[One-stage compound grafting of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous cancellous bone for the treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with bone defect after debridement and evaluate its clinical outcomes. METHODS: From June 2009 to June 2011, 52 patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis were treated with stage-one compound grafting of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous cancellous bone,including 12 females and 40 males with an average age of 43 years old ranging from 18 to 67. According to Cierny-Mader classification, there were 34 cases with stage III and 18 with stage IV. There were 32 cases on right side and 20 on left,with a course of 6 months to 3 years. The area of soft tissue wound ranged from 3.0 cm x l.5 cm to 23.0 cm x l2.0 cm. The clinical effects were evaluated according to infection controlling, calcium sulfate absorption,bone defect repair and heel functional recovery. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 2 to 3.8 years (averaged 2.8 years). Primary healing was achieved in 52 patients. Two cases of recurrence were found post-operatively, 1 case in 3 months and another in 5 months,which were cured after a second operation. Bone repair healing was gained in 1.5 to 3.5 months (averaged 2.5 months). Complete radiological absorption of calcium sulfate was found in 1.2 to 3 months(averaged 2.2 months). Local exudation after removal of drainage tube had been persisting in 10 patients for 2 to 3 months, which was consistent with the time when cacium sulfate were totally absorbed. Flap had partial necrosis in 4 cases,and the wounds were closed after appropriate treatment finally. The mean Maryland score was 88.15±7.70. There were excellent results in 32 cases, good in 14, fair in 6. CONCLUSION: A satisfactory short-term clinical results can be gained by one-stage compound grafting of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous cancellous bone in chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis, but the long-term results need further follow-up. And much more study is also demanded to reduce the exudation of calcium sulfate.

Percutaneous treatment of calcaneus fractures associated with underlying bone cysts.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal bone cysts with pathological fractures are rare. There is no clear consensus on their management with a few reports of open curettage, bone grafting and internal fixation in the treatment of pathological calcaneal fractures. No minimally invasive management has been reported before. METHODS: We reviewed our experience in treating five patients with pathologic calcaneus fractures associated with pre-existing bone cysts who underwent percutaneous cyst curettage, fracture reduction, screw fixation and calcium sulfate cement injection between 2004 and 2009. RESULTS: All of the pathologic fractures healed with satisfactory radiological results. There were no soft tissue complications or cyst recurrences. Partial weightbearing with plaster cast immobilization was allowed at 4 weeks postoperatively and full weightbearing was allowed at 6 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This percutaneous technique provided a minimally invasive option for treatment of a calcaneal bone cyst with pathologic fracture.

Comparison of percutaneous screw fixation and calcium sulfate cement grafting versus open treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

BACKGROUND: The conventional treatment for displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus (DIACF), with open reduction and internal plate fixation (ORIF), carries the risk of wound infection and delayed recovery. Alternatively percutaneous fixation techniques offer the possibility of equivalent outcomes in with a reduction in soft tissue complications. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous reduction (PR), screw fixation, and calcium sulphate cement (CSC) grafting in the treatment of DIACF. METHODS: Ninety patients were randomly assigned to PR and CSC grafting or ORIF between January 2006 and August 2008. The blood loss, Böhler's angle, calcaneal width, length, height and articular congruity of the posterior facet, wound complication, range of joint motion were compared, function scores such as American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) and Maryland foot score (MFS) were measured. RESULTS: The quality of reduction was not significantly different between the two groups. There were significant differences favoring PR in blood loss (p < 0.01), range of joint motion (p < 0.01), AOFAS (p < 0.01) and MFS (p < 0.01) between the two groups. Postop infection was 12% ORIF and 3% PC (p = 0.23). Earlier weightbearing in the PR group did not result in a greater frequency of redisplacement than in the OR group. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that compared with ORIF, the percutaneous reduction, fixation and CSC grafting for treatment of DIACF might allow accelerated weightbearing activity, reduce joint stiffness and improve the patients' satisfaction.

Minimally invasive plate internal fixation for calcaneal fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive plate internal fixation for the treatment of calcaneal fractures. METHODS: Manual reduction, rectification of deformity, and cold compress with traditional Chinese medicine were used preoperatively to relieve swelling and pain. A small incision was made to expose the articular facet and to perform anatomic reduction and plate fixation. Self-made traditional Chinese pharmaceutics were applied postoperatively on the surface of the wound to accelerate bony union. RESULTS: All the 40 patients were followed up for at least 1 year postoperatively. According to the Maryland scoring system, the excellent and good rate was 87.5%. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive plate internal fixation has the advantages of relatively mild injury, reliable fixation, good recovery, and rare complications in the treatment of intraarticular fractures.

[Controlled clinical trials of cost-effectiveness analysis on poking reduction and open reduction for the treatment of sanders type II calcaneal fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cost-effectiveness of poking reduction and open reduction for the treatment of Sanders type II calcaneal fractures, in order to provide evidence for standard treatment. METHODS: From 2006.10 to 2008.10, 80 patients with Sanders type II calcaneal fractures were selected from Shandong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and randomly divided into poking reduction group and open reduction group with 40 cases in each group. There were 26 males and 14 females in poking reduction group and 30 males and 10 females in open reduction group. The average age of patients in poking reduction group was (36.60+/-3.15) years, and (37.10+/-3.45) years in open reduction group. Bohler angle, Gissane angle, the width of central calcaneus, stance phase of gait, HM-HL,arch index and subtalair joint flexibility were measured. The clinical results and expenses of the two treatment schemes were compared and concluded with the method of cost-effetiveness analysis. RESULTS: In the poking reduction group and open reduction group, the Böhler angle were (30.32+/-1.72) degree and (30.54+/-3.13) degree, Gissane angle were (133.73+/-6.73) degree and (134.86+/-4.90) degree, the width of central calcaneus were (30.18+/-1.59) mm and (30.24+/-1.25) mm, stance phase of gait were (0.679+/-0.070) s and (0.715+/-0.090) s, HM-HL were--(36.49+/-7.56) N and -(34.32+/-6.50) N,arch index were (30.26+/-2.69) and (30.47+/-1.89), and subtalair joint flexibility were (10.53+/-2.30) degree and (10.89+/-1.86) degree respectively. The cost-effectiveness ratio (C/E) were 6.06 and 136.19 respectively. CONCLUSION: Cost-effectiveness ratio of the poking reduction is superior to that of the open reduction in treating Sanders type II calcaneal fractures. Poking reduction is a useful method to treat Sanders type II calcaneal fractures with rapid wound healing and less cost.

The use of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite for the reconstruction of calcaneal fractures: Preliminary results.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the feasibility of a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite compound in the treatment of calcaneal fractures with osseous defects after reduction. The study included 21 patients, representing 24 closed intraarticular calcaneus fractures with large defects remaining after operative reduction. All cases were supplemented with the hydroxyapatite bone substitute and stabilized with a calcaneal honeycomb plate. Radiographs were taken at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, with specific attention given to measurement of Gissane's angle, Böhler's angle, and calcaneal height. A postoperative subjective and objective evaluation of the fracture, using the Creighton Nebraska Health Foundation scale, was performed 1 year postoperatively. Böhler's angle improved from a mean 8.6 +/- 5.3 degrees preoperatively to an immediate postoperative mean result of 31.5 +/- 6.5 degrees and 27.7 +/- 8.6 1 year postoperatively. The mean Creighton-Nebraska functional score was 86 +/- 10 at the 1-year follow-up evaluation. These results suggest that open reduction with plate fixation combined with nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite augmentation presents a good and reliable surgical technique for treatment of calcaneus fractures.

The effect of demineralized bone matrix-calcium sulfate with vancomycin on calcaneal fracture healing and infection rates: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures may have a central cancellous bone defect area. We hypothesized that human demineralized bone matrix (DBM) calcium sulfate (CaSO(4)) might act as a reasonable alternative to autograft in calcaneal fractures. When combined with antibiotic powder, this bone graft substitute also may act as a local antibiotic delivery device. This is the first clinical study evaluating bone healing and complications associated with DBM-calcium sulfate bone graft substitute in the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with a central cancellous bone defect. METHODS: Over a 29-month period, 33 displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with central cancellous defects were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and grafting with vancomycin/DBM-calcium sulfate bone graft substitute. Eleven fractures without bone defects were treated with ORIF only. Patient demographics, medical history, and CT fracture classification were recorded. Postoperatively, fractures were monitored every 2 weeks for healing and complications. RESULTS: The mean time to union was 8.2 weeks in the grafted, while the control group mean time to union was 10.4 weeks (p = 0.0117). Wound problems occurred in five (15%) of the 33 patients with grafting, all in type III fractures with severe soft-tissue swelling, and included two minor wound healing delays, and three serious wound problems. At a mean followup time of 22.4 months, no DBM-calcium sulfate grafted calcaneus demonstrated evidence of osteomyelitis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study examining human DBM-calcium sulfate bone graft substitute to treat displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Based on these initial data, human DBM-calcium sulfate acted as an acceptable and safe autograft alternative in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with moderate (5 cc to 10 cc) central cancellous bone defects.

Tratamiento fisioterápico en las apofisitis del calcáneo en futbolistas jóvenes / Physiotherapy treatment in calcaneal apophysitis in young footballers

Introducción: El elevado número de casos de apositis del calcáneo (afección del núcleo de osificación secundario del calcáneo, Danowski 1992) que aparecen en jóvenes deportistas y la incapacidad que esta produce para la práctica deportiva, justifica la sistematización de un programa de actuación fisioterápica encaminado a tratar esta patología. Materialy método: El propósito del trabajo es valorar la eficacia de un programa de actuación fisioterápica para el tratamiento de esta patología. Se cuenta con una población de casi 200 deportistas que pertenecen a una Escuela de Fútbol, con edades comprendidas entre los 7 y los 16 años, y que entrenan 3 días a la semana (1,5 horas/día) y un partido de competición los fines de semana. El programa de tratamiento fisioterápico se diseña a partir de la utilización de medidas antinflamatorias, descontracturantes, de corrección del patrón de marcha y carrera y de corrección de los trastornos estáticos pretendiéndose eliminar los signos y síntomas que presenta dicho síndrome. Se aplica el programa a todos los casos de apofisitis del calcáneo que aparecen durante las temporadas 96-97 y 97-98. Resultados: Se registran 22 casos de apofisitis del calcáneo en una población entre los 7 y los 13 años, de los que el 68 por ciento fueron casos unilaterales. Tras la aplicación del programa de fisioterapia se obtuvieron buenos resultados en el 63,6 por ciento de los casos, en los que desaparecieron los signos y síntomas . En el 9 por ciento de los mismos aparecieron recidivas durante la misma temporada. Y en un 27 por ciento la evolución fue desconocida. Conclusión: El tratamiento fisioterápico puede calificarse de eficaz ya que mantiene al deportista realizando su actividad física normal y elimina los signos y sítomas de la afección en un corto período de tiempo y con buenos resultados (AU)

Calcaneal fractures in diabetic patients.

We would like to present 23 calcaneal fractures in 22 patients of whom 21 had type I diabetes mellitus. There appear to be three basic fracture types: (1) a superiorly displaced extra-articular avulsion fracture of the posterior calcaneus (or Iowa fracture), which occurred in 12 patients (five men, seven women); (2) a mid-calcaneal compression fracture in six patients (four men, two women), and (3) a cleavage or "wedge" type fracture in four patients extending from the calcaneal tubercle (one man, 3 women). All four of this last group of patients had a history of a chronic penetrating ulcer, and this is noteworthy since only one other patient out of the remaining 18 in groups 1 and 2 had a similar history. Most patients had decreased bone mineralization: 15 patients were on long-term, high-dose steroids, and 18 patients had either poor renal function or complete renal failure (11 of 12). Fourteen patients had received either renal or pancreas transplants. Eight patients were on restricted weight bearing prior to their fractures. We believe that diabetic patients are more prone to calcaneal fractures than the general population, and early diagnosis is imperative, followed by early treatment to prevent significant bony deformity.

Long-term magnesium sulfate tocolysis and maternal osteoporosis in a triplet pregnancy: a case report.

Prolonged infusion of magnesium sulfate has been used for the treatment of refractory preterm labor. Long-term magnesium sulfate tocolytic therapy either alone or in combination with other tocolytic agents has been reported to be safe and effective with minimal maternal side effects. There has been only one previous report of a disturbance in maternal calcium homeostasis, which included decreased distal radius bone density and hypercalciuria as a result of prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion. This article reports the first case of bilateral fracture of the calcanei in the postpartum period secondary to osteoporosis associated with prolonged magnesium sulfate tocolysis and bed rest. A 35-year-old white female with a triplet pregnancy of 25 weeks' gestation was admitted in preterm labor. Bed rest, intravenous magnesium sulfate tocolysis, and intermittent subcutaneous terbutaline were necessary to maintain uterine quiescence for 65 days. The patient received weekly betamethasone for 6 weeks for the acceleration of fetal lung maturation. Daily prenatal multivitamins and low-dose subcutaneous heparin for thromboprophylaxis were given. Efforts at tocolysis were ultimately not successful and the patient underwent a cesarean section delivery at 34 2/7 weeks' gestation. The patient's postoperative course was complicated by osteoporosis and bilateral stress fractures of the calcanei. This case report demonstrates that stress fractures secondary to osteoporosis may be associated with prolonged magnesium sulfate therapy and bed rest in higher order multiple pregnancy. Other possible contributing factors to osteoporosis include heparin thromboprophylaxis and suboptimal calcium supplementation. Therefore, in circumstances of prolonged bed rest and magnesium sulfate tocolysis, additional daily calcium supplementation would be well advised.

Fracture nonunion.

The management of nonunion represents a complex clinical situation requiring an understanding of the pathophysiology. Before initiating treatment, the nonunion must be assessed radiographically. Further evaluation by radionuclide imaging and CT may be applicable. Only then can proper treatment, whether by immobilization, internal fixation with or without incorporation of bone grafts, or electrostimulation, be instituted.