Post-traumatic in situ fusion after calcaneal fractures: A retrospective study with 7–28 years follow-up

BackgroundIn situ fusion as salvage operation after calcaneal fractures has been used. In this retrospective investigation, a group of in situ fused patients is analyzed with long-term follow-up.MethodsTwenty-nine patients with in situ single or multiple fusions performed between 1970 and 1990 were included. In 1998 these patients were examined with plain radiographs and computerized tomography (CT) scan of the affected foot. Also, a visual analogue score (VAS) for calcaneal fractures, short form health survey (SF-36), Olerud Molander score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle society (AOFAS) hindfoot score were evaluated.ResultsThe plain radiographs and CT scan showed severe remaining deformities in these patients. The outcome parameters were generally poor and correlated to the degree of remaining deformity.ConclusionsSimple in situ fusion, without consideration of the deformity at hand, after a calcaneal fracture is not an adequate treatment and generally associated with poor outcome.