Percutaneous Sacroiliac Screw Fixation: A Modified Screw Insertion Method Using Just 2 Fluoroscopy Views.

Objectives: Percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation (PSSF) is a well-defined method of surgery to fix unstable fractures of the pelvic ring with fewer post-surgical complications. However, the complex anatomy of the mentioned area makes PSSF a formidable challenge. The present study aimed to investigate a modified screw insertion method using two views of fluoroscopy X-ray instead of the prior three views to reduce the duration of operations and radiation exposures. Methods: The present study was performed on 10 radiopaque plastic pelvic models (including 20 half pelvis) during simulated surgical procedures. Of the 20 screws, 10 were inserted using the conventional method with the navigation of three fluoroscopy views (Group A). The remaining 10 were inserted using the modified method with the navigation of two fluoroscopy views, including just the outlet and inlet views, without taking the lateral view, based on our theory and order of fluoroscopy (Group B). Following screw insertion, the accuracy of screw locations was evaluated using a computed tomography (CT) scan, and the duration of operations and radiation exposures were compared between the two surgery methods at the end of the study. Results: In both groups, nine screws (90%) were located correctly, and one screw (10%) perforated the anterior wall of the first sacral vertebra. The mean±SD of the duration of radiation exposure in groups A and B was 6.1±1.0 min and 4.2±0.1 min, respectively (P=0.01). Moreover, the mean±SD of operation duration in group A was 45.7±5.8 min, but this value in group B was 35.5±4.5, which showed a significant decrease in operation duration (P=0.04).). Conclusion: PSSF using a modified screw insertion method with just two fluoroscopy views not only had similar accuracy to conventional methods but also could decrease operation time and the following radiation exposure.

A new technique for percutaneous screw fixation for treating FFP IIIa and IIIb fragility fractures of the pelvis.

To determine the presence of a consistent osseous corridor from the lateral-posterior aspect of the anterior inferior iliac spine to the sacral wing that could be used for safe trans percutaneous screw fixation for pelvic fragility fractures of the iliac wing and fracture dislocations of the sacroiliac joint (FFP types IIIa and IIIb). Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained from 100 patients and imported to Mimics software for 3D reconstruction. Then, a cylinder was drawn to imitate the modified LC-II screw and adjusted to a maximum radius and length to obtain the feasible region. Thirteen parameters of the osseous corridor of the modified LC-II screw were measured. Differences between sex groups were compared, and significant statistical correlations were carefully studied to determine potentially important clinical relationships. The records of patients with FFP type IIIa and IIIb fragility fractures of the pelvis were extracted from our hospital. Patients who underwent modified LC-II screw fixation, LC-II screw fixation or reconstruction plate fixation were included. Patients' operative characteristics and complications were recorded at follow-up. Fracture reduction quality was assessed using the Matta standard. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Majeed grading system. The mean maximum diameters of the osseous corridors of the modified LC-II screw in males and females were 12.73 and 10.83 mm, respectively. The mean maximum lengths of the osseous corridors of the modified LC-II screw in males and females were 96.37 and 93.37 mm, respectively. In the treatment of patients with FFP IIIa and FFP IIIb fractures, the group of treatment by the modified LC-II screws fixation was shown significantly shorter operative time and fewer intraoperative blood loss in comparison to that by the reconstruction plates. In the present study, all the males and females had a complete osseous corridor of the modified LC-II screw. The clinical results of the patients who were treated with modified LC-II screw fixation suggest that the novel method has a good preliminary outcome.

Conservative or operative therapy in patients with a fragility fracture of the pelvis: study protocol for a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of fragility fractures of the pelvis is rising. Whereas the treatment for FFP type I, III, and IV is clear, the optimal treatment for FFP type II remains a topic of discussion. Traditionally these fractures have been treated conservatively. However, there is a shift toward early surgical stabilization with percutaneous screw fixation to reduce pain and promote mobility in an already frail patient population. High-quality evidence, however, is lacking. Therefore, a randomized clinical trial was designed to compare conservative management to early percutaneous screw fixation in patients with type II fragility fractures. METHODS: This is a monocenter randomized controlled trial. All patients with a FFP type II are screened for inclusion. After obtaining informed consent, patients are randomized between conservative management and surgical stabilization. Conservative management consists of early mobilization under guidance of physiotherapy and analgesics. Patients randomized for surgical treatment are operated on within 72 h using percutaneous screw fixation. The primary endpoint is mobility measured by the DEMMI score. Secondary endpoints are other dimensions of mobility, pain levels, quality of life, mortality, and morbidity. The total follow-up is 1 year. The required sample size is 68. DISCUSSION: The present study aims to give certainty on the potential benefit of surgical treatment. Current literature on this topic remains unclear. According to the volume of FFP at the study hospital, we assume that the number of patients needed for this study is gathered within 2 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04744350. Registered on February 8, 2021.

The Safety of Volar to Dorsal Percutaneous Screw Fixation of Bennett Fracture-Dislocation - A Cadaveric Study.

Background: Bennett fractures are traditionally fixed with percutaneous K-wires from dorsal to volar, or with a volar to dorsal screw via a volar open approach. While volar to dorsal screw fixation is biomechanically advantageous, an open approach requires extensive soft tissue dissection, thus increasing morbidity. This study aims to investigate the practicality and safety of Bennett fracture fixation using a percutaneous, volar to dorsal screw, particularly with regard to the median nerve and its motor branch during wire and screw insertion. Methods: Fifteen fresh frozen forearm and hand specimens were obtained from the University of Auckland human cadaver laboratory. A guidewire is placed under image intensifier from volar to dorsal with the thumb held in traction, abduction and pronation. The wire is passed through the skin volarly under image intensifier, then the median nerve is dissected from the carpal tunnel and the motor branch of the median nerve (MBMN) is dissected from its origin to where it supplies the thenar musculature. The distance between the K-wire to the MBMN is measured. Results: In 14 of 15 specimens, the wire was superficial and radial to the carpal tunnel. The mean distance to the origin of the MBMN is 6.2 mm (95% CI 4.1-8.3) with the closest specimen 1 mm away. The mean closest distance the wire gets to any part of the MBMN is 3.7 mm (95% CI 1.6-5.8); in two specimens, the wire was through the MBMN. Conclusions: Wire placement, although done under image intensifier, is subject to significant variation in exiting location. While research has shown the thenar portal in arthroscopic thumb surgery is safe, our guidewire needs to exit further ulnar to capture the Bennett fracture fragment, placing the MBMN at risk. This cadaveric study has demonstrated the proposed technique is unsafe for use.

Comparison of closed percutaneous screw reduction versus open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of frontal sinus fractures: A retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to compare closed percutaneous screw reduction to traditional open reduction-internal fixation (OR-IF) for the treatment of anterior table fractures. Both groups were evaluated in terms of operative variables, complications, and treatment success. Of 32 patients included, 19 patients underwent OR-IF, while 13 underwent percutaneous screw reduction. The median operative time, length of hospital stays, and treatment cost of the OR-IF group were 100 min (range 60-130), 4 days (range 3-9), and $727 (range $642-$1291), respectively. The same variables for the closed reduction group were 30 min (range 20-40), 2 days (range 1-2), and $303 (range $252-$349), respectively. The closed reduction group exhibited a shorter operative time (p< 0.001), reduced length of hospital stays (p< 0.001), lower treatment cost (p< 0.001), and a lower complication rate (p = 0.025) compared to the OR-IF group. Late-term outcomes in both groups showed no visible contour changes or step deformities. In conclusion, the percutaneous screw reduction technique is a safe and effective option with minimal morbidity in the treatment of frontal sinus anterior table fractures. Therefore, traditional OR-IF should be reserved for fractures that are not suitable for reduction using minimally invasive techniques.

The influence of pelvic tilt on sacral insufficiency fracture occurrence: Insights into the prevalence of high pelvic tilt among patients affected.

INTRODUCTION: Fragility fractures without significant trauma of the pelvic ring in older patients have an increasing incidence due to demographic change. Influencing factors other than osteoporotic bone quality that lead to an insufficiency fracture are not yet known. However, it is suspected that the pelvic tilt (PT) has an effect on the development of such an insufficiency fracture. This study explores the influence of the PTs in patients with insufficiency fractures of the posterior pelvic ring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 49 geriatric patients with fragility fractures of the pelvic ring were treated at a university hospital level-1 trauma center during a period between February and December 2023, and their fractures were classified according to the FFP classification of Rommens and Hofmann. Complete sets of computer tomography (CT) and radiological images were available to determine the PT angle of the patients. RESULTS: 34 FFP type 2 and 15 FFP type 3 classified patients were included in the study. Significant difference was seen in the pelvic tilt (PT) angle between the patient group with insufficiency fractures (n= 49; mean age: 78.02 ± 11.80) and the control group with lumbago patients (n= 53; mean age: 69.23 ± 11.23). The PT was significantly higher in the patients with insufficiency fractures (25.74° ± 4.76; p⁎⁎⁎⁎ ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates a significant extension of the PT angle of individuals with insufficiency fractures when compared to those with lumbago. The result suggests a potential association between pelvic tilt and fracture susceptibility. TRIAL REGISTRATION: A retrospective study about the influence of sagittal balance of the spine on insufficiency fractures of the posterior pelvic ring measured by the "pelvic tilt angle", DRKS00032120. Registered 20th June 2023 - Prospectively registered. Trial registration number DRKS00032120.

Pros and Cons of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.

This paper reviews current knowledge on minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Although it has significant advantages, such as less postoperative pain, short hospital stay, quick return to work, better cosmetics, and less infection rate, there are also disadvantages. The long learning curve, the need for special instruments and types of equipment, high costs, lack of tactile sensation and biplanar imaging, some complications that are hard to treat, and more radiation to the surgeon and surgical team are the disadvantages.Most studies remark that the outcomes of MISS are similar to traditional surgery. Although patients demand it more than surgeons, we predict the broad applications of MISS will replace most of our classical surgical approaches.

Surgical complications after fixation of minimally displaced lateral compression type 1 pelvic ring injuries.

PURPOSE: To review surgical complications after fixation of stress-positive minimally displaced (< 1 cm) lateral compression type 1 (LC1) pelvic ring injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study at a level one trauma center identified patients who received surgical fixation of isolated LC1 pelvic ring injuries. Surgical complications and additional procedures were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included. The median age was 61 years (Interquartile range 40-70), 65% (n = 39) were women, and 57% (n = 34) had high-energy mechanisms. Anterior-posterior, posterior-only, and anterior-only fixation constructs were used in 77% (n = 46), 15% (n = 9), and 8% (n = 5) of patients. Anterior fixation was performed with rami screw fixation in 82% (49/60), external fixation in 2% (1/60), and open reduction and plate fixation in 2% (1/60). There were 15 surgical complications in 23% (14/60), and 12 additional procedures in 17% (10/60). Complications included loss of reduction ≥ 1 cm (8%), symptomatic hematomas (8%), symptomatic backout of unicortical retrograde rami screws (5%), deep infection of the pelvic space after a retrograde rami screw (1.6%), and iatrogenic L5 nerve injury (1.6%). All losses of reduction involved geriatric females with distal rami fractures sustained in ground-level falls. Loss of reduction was found to be more likely in patients with low energy mechanisms (proportional difference (PD) 62%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 18% to 76%; p = 0.01) and 2 versus 1 posterior pelvic screws (PD 36%; CI 0.4% to 75%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical complications and additional procedures routinely occurred after fixation of LC1 injuries. Patients should be appropriately counseled on the risks of surgical fixation of these controversial injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, Level III.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes after Reducing Adult Lytic High-Grade Spondylolisthesis Using a Hybrid Technique: Combination of Percutaneous Pedicle Screws with Midline Microscopic Transforaminal Decompression.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To analyze the results and effectiveness of percutaneous screws (PS) with midline microscopic transforaminal decompression (MTFD) technique in reducing adult stiff lytic high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGSL) and compare it with the conventional technique. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Pedicle screw cannulation and segmental kyphosis negotiation are surgical challenges in HGSL. Open reduction is the preferred approach. PS have the advantage of optimized trajectory and minimized soft tissue exposure. The role of minimally invasive surgery in HGSL remains unknown. We propose a hybrid technique combining PS with MTFD for lytic HGSL. METHODS: This study included 25 patients with adult lytic HGSL (Meyerding grade III and IV) operated using a hybrid technique from 2012 to 2015. Data were compared with retrospective data on conventional open reduction (n=23) operated from 2000 to 2015. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and modified Oswestry Disability Index (m-ODI). The spinopelvic and perioperative parameters were recorded. The inter-body fusion and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) were assessed on radiographs at the final follow-up. RESULTS: The average age in the MTFD and open groups was 45.84±12.70 years (nine males and 16 females) and 49.26±13.33 years (eight males and 15 females), respectively. Further, 22 and three patients in the MTFD group and 19 and four in the open group had grade III and IV listhesis, respectively. The MTFD group demonstrated less operative time, blood loss, and hospital stays than the open group. Significant improvements were observed in VAS and m-ODI in subsequent follow-ups in both groups. The MTFD group fared better at 3 months but outcomes were comparable at the final follow-up. Both techniques were equally effective in restoring spinopelvic parameters. The incidence of ASD is comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The technique was proven effective in reducing HGSL. The long-term clinical and radiological outcomes were favorable and comparable with the conventional approach.

Clinical results of acetabular fracture treatment with hybrid fixation by anterior and posterior approach : A minimally invasive technique.

BACKGROUND: Open reduction and internal fixation have been described as the gold standard for the treatment of acetabular fractures, but the high complications of these surgeries have led surgeons to seek less invasive procedures. In recent years, minimally invasive treatment, such as fixation through the skin have been proposed. The aim was to assess acetabular fracture outcomes of combination of posterior approach (Kocher-Langenbeck [KL]) with anterior percutaneous screw fixation (APSF) with minimally invasive surgery (MIS). METHODS: Between February 2017 and July 2019, 155 patients with acetabular fractures underwent fixation with the KL + APSF approach. For 1 year functional outcomes, radiographic findings, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 155 patients with a mean age of 40.16 ± 10.32 years, 82 patients were male and 73 were female. The most common pattern of fracture was both columns (32.9%). The average blood loss was approximately 527 ml. The average operation time was 85 min. The mean length of surgical incision was 113.3 mm. Harris' hip score was excellent in 75.5% of cases. The mean VAS score was approximately 4 and 91.6% of patients returned to pre-trauma activity. In 74.8% of cases, the reduction was anatomical. Complications after surgery were very insignificant and included the following: 2 patients had foot drop within 5 months both patients recovered, 2 patients had femoral nerve palsy and 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis and 1 case of pulmonary thromboembolism were treated. There were four patients with surgical site infections, all of whom recovered and two of the seven patients with osteoarthritis underwent total hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: Combining posterior approach with minimally invasive anterior method in fixation and treatment of acetabular fractures is a safe and reliable method and showed significant functional results with minimal complications.

Effects of Iliosacral Joint Immobilization on Walking after Iliosacral Screw Fixation in Humans.

BACKGROUND: Pelvis fractures are commonly stabilized by surgical implants to facilitate their healing. However, such implants immobilize the iliosacral joint for up to a year until removal. We report how iliosacral joint immobilization affects the walking of patients. METHODS: The gaits of patients with immobilized sacroiliac joints after unstable pelvic fracture (n = 8; mean age: 45.63 ± 23.19; five females and three males) and sex- and age-matched healthy control individuals (n = 8; mean age: 46.50 ± 22.91; five females and three males) were recorded and analyzed using a motion capture system. The forces between the tread and feet were also recorded. Standard gait parameters as well as dynamic patterns of joint angles and moments of the lower extremities were analyzed using the simulation software OpenSim. RESULTS: With the exception of hip extensor strength, the monitored joint parameters of the patients showed task-dependent deviations during walking, i.e., plantarflexor force was increased when stepping on an elevated surface, as were hip flexion and extensor moments, knee flexion and extensor moments, as well as ankle dorsiflexion and the associated negative plantarflexor force during stance on the elevated surface. CONCLUSIONS: Iliosacral joint fixation causes reduced forward and upward propulsion and requires an extended range of hip motion in the sagittal plane. Patients show significant mobility limitation after iliosacral screw fixation.

3D simulation of percutaneous sustentaculum tali screw insertion in calcaneal fractures.

BACKGROUND: In calcaneal fractures, the percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) is currently considered to be the better choice, but it is difficult to accurately place the screw into the sustentaculum tali (ST) during the operation. In this study, the ideal entry point, angle, diameter and length of the screw were calculated by simulating the operation process. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the calcaneus computed tomography (CT) scans of 180 adults, DICOM-formatted CT-scan images of each patient were imported into Mimics software to establish calcaneus model. Virtual screws were placed on the lateral of the posterior talar articular surface (PTAS), the lateral edge of the anterior process of calcaneus (APC), and the calcaneal tuberosity, respectively, the trajectory and size of the screws were calculated. RESULTS: The mean maximum diameter of the PTAS screw was 42.20 ± 3.71 mm. The vertical distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the lowest point of the tarsal sinus was 10.67 ± 1.84 mm, and the distance between the midpoint of the APC optimal screw trajectory and the calcaneocuboid joint was 5 mm ~ 19.81 ± 2.08 mm. The mean maximum lengths of APC screws was 44.69 ± 4.81 mm, and the Angle between the screw and the coronal plane of the calcaneus from proximal to distal was 4.72°±2.15° to 20.52°±3.77°. The optimal point of the maximum diameter of the calcaneal tuberosity screw was located at the lateral border of the achilles tendon endpoint. The mean maximum diameters of calcaneal tuberosity screws was 4.46 ± 0.85 mm, the mean maximum lengths of screws was 65.31 ± 4.76 mm. We found gender-dependent differences for the mean maximum diameter and the maximum length of the three screws. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides effective positioning for percutaneous screw fixation of calcaneal fractures. For safer and more efficient screw placement, we suggest individualised preoperative 3D reconstruction simulations. Further biomechanical studies are needed to verify the function of the screw.

Use of the iliac-outlet and iliac-inlet combined views in percutaneous posterior column retrograde screw fixation.

Posterior column fractures are common acetabular injuries. Although displaced fractures require open reduction and fixation, undisplaced patterns may benefit from percutaneous screw fixation. The combination of iliac oblique with inlet and outlet views offers an intuitive and panoramic rendering of the bony corridor into the posterior column; lateral cross table view completes the sequence of fluoroscopic projections. Herein we describe the use of outlet/inlet iliac views and a detailed procedure for percutaneous retrograde posterior column screw fixation.

Functional and radiologic outcomes of non-displaced scaphoid waist fractures in adolescents approaching skeletal maturity: Comparison between conservative treatment and percutaneous screw fixation.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of scaphoid waist fractures is generally conservative in children but surgical in adults, given the relatively high risk of non-union in adults. In adolescents, the required therapeutic strategy is less well defined. The objective of this study was to compare the radiographic and clinical parameters, and the rate of complications, between non-surgical orthopedic treatment (OT) and surgical treatment (ST) by percutaneous screw fixation of these fractures in adolescents approaching skeletal maturity. HYPOTHESIS: ST of non-displaced scaphoid waist fractures in adolescents allows radiographic union, a functional result and a complication rate comparable to that of ST. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included patients who presented with a non-displaced scaphoid waist fracture, with a chronological age (CA) and a bone age (BA) between 14 and 18 years. Clinical and radiographic parameters and complications were analyzed during the trauma and at one year, including functional scores, between two groups of patients; OT and ST. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients had OT (63.8%) and 21 had ST (36.2%). The median CA was 16 years [14.25-16]. The median BA was 16 years [15;17] according to the Greulich and Pyle method and corresponded to R9 [R7-R10] and U7 [U7;U8] according to the Distal Radius and Ulnar (DRU) classification system. All non-unions were found in the OT group (23.4% vs. 0%, p=0.019). The duration of immobilization (8 weeks) and the number of consultations were higher after OT than ST. Functional scores were lower in patients with non-union after OT (p≤0.002) CONCLUSION: OT of scaphoid waist fractures in adolescents results in a higher rate of non-union than ST, similar to the rate found in adults. Findings from this study recommend a surgical approach by percutaneous screw fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; comparative retrospective study.

Surgical treatment of sacral nonunions.

Sacral fractures are complex injuries that follow a bimodal distribution, typically involving acute high energy trauma in young adults and low energy trauma in older adults (> 65 years old). Nonunion is a rare but debilitating potential complication of undiagnosed or improperly managed sacral fractures. Various surgical techniques, including open reduction and internal fixation, sacroplasty, and percutaneous screw fixation, have been used to manage these fracture nonunions. In addition to reviewing the initial management of sacral fractures and the risk factors for fracture nonunion, this article describes techniques, specific cases and outcomes of these treatment strategies.

A computed tomography (CT) based morphometric study of superior pubic ramus anatomy among Arabs to determine safe intramedullary pubic rami screw insertion.

PURPOSE: To assess the morphometric variables of the superior pubic ramus in an Arab/ Middle Eastern population to establish a safe pubic screw fixation technique. METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective analysis of computed tomography (CT) pelvic images. Morphometric data were extracted including; on pubic ramus length, insertion angles, potential danger zones and ramus diameters. The correlation between pubic rami diameter and patient demographics was also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 231 participants were included (45% female). The mean pubic ramus length was 104 mm in females and 127 mm in males. The narrowest canal diameters at the para-symphyseal area were; 7.35 mm (males) and 4.75 mm (females). The mediolateral insertion angle was 49.4° in females and 41.8° in males. The cephalic-caudal angle was 49.9° in males and 42.1° in females. The mean distance from the lateral ilium entry point to the joint articular surface was 23.5 mm in males and 19.9 mm in females. The symphysis pubis to tubercle exit point was higher in females than males (24.2 mm vs 16.6 mm, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between age and pubic ramus diameters in all age groups. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that percutaneous pubic rami screw fixation using the standard 6.5 or 7.3 mm cannulated screw system may potentially be unsafe in female Arab patients. This subset of patients may require alternative non-cannulated screws (3.5-4.5 mm) or plate options. Further, female patients may have a higher risk of acetabular joint penetration, while males have a potentially higher risk of pudendal nerve injury.

Role of Percutaneous Screw Fixation in Children with Delayed Presentation and Nonunion of Lateral Condyle Humerus Fractures with Elbow Stiffness.

Introduction: Delayed presentations and nonunion of lateral condyle of Humerus (LCH) fractures in children are common. It is recommended to gain elbow movements before placing single screw for late presenting LCH fractures. We examined the efficacy of a percutaneously placed screw in delayed presenting LCH fractures and LCH nonunion in children who presented with varying degree of elbow stiffness without waiting for improvement in elbow movements. Material and Methods: Sixteen children with LCH fractures presenting after six weeks of fracture, without signs of union, and with frank nonunion were treated with percutaneous placement of the cancellous screw. There was a delay of 1.5 to18 months before presenting to us. The results were assessed by Dhillon criteria. Results: All the patients at presentation had flexion deformity (avg 290) and restricted flexion ((avg 1000). Successful radiological union was achieved in fifteen patients. All the patients had full recovery of extension. Fifteen patient regained full flexion and one patient has only 100 flexion restriction (p value < 0.001). At the final follow-up, fifteen patients had excellent and one had a good overall Dhillon score. There was no clinically evident varus or valgus deformity. Conclusion: We could achieve union in a majority of the patients with delayed presentation and established nonunion of LCH fractures with simple percutaneous screw placement, thereby avoiding open surgery, big scar, bone grafting, and AVN of LCH. We did not wait for an improvement in elbow movements before screw fixation and still all our patients regained full elbow movements with improved Dhillon scores.

Three-step closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation: A reliable and reproducible protocol in managing displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

BACKGROUND: For displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs), the less invasive surgical techniques vary widely. Herein, the study is to introduce a novel, reliable and reproducible protocol of three-step closed reduction (distracting, elevating, and clamping) and percutaneous screw fixation for DIACFs. METHODS: This retrospective study included 32 patients with 33 DIACFs treated by the abovementioned surgical procedures with an average follow-up of 17.7 months. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by complications, radiographs, and functional scores. RESULTS: There were no incision complications. Postoperative Böhler's angle, height, and width were significantly recovered with p < 0.001. Especially, mean postoperative subtalar incongruity was 0.5 ± 0.5 mm. The average values of Maryland Foot Score (MFS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot score were 93.6 ± 5.9, 91.7 ± 6.7, respectively. The average scores of short form-36 (SF-36) and visual analog scale (VAS) were 89.9 ± 10.4 and 3.1 ± 1.6, respectively. Further subgroup analysis showed that the functional scores were comparable among different fracture types according to either Sanders or Essex-Lopresti classification. CONCLUSION: We consider the three-step reduction (distracting, elevating and clamping) and percutaneous screw fixation to be a reliable and reproducible protocol for the treatment of DIACFs.