Circular frame fixation for calcaneal fractures risks injury to the medial neurovascular structures: a cadaveric description

Esparon, T., Thomson, C. M., Rea, P. M. and Jamal, B. (2016) Circular frame fixation for calcaneal fractures risks injury to the medial neurovascular structures: a cadaveric description. Injury, 47(12), pp. 2700-2705. (doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2016.10.005) (PMID:27773371)

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Abstract

Aim: There is a risk of iatrogenic injury to the soft tissues of the calcaneus and this study assesses the risk of injury to these structures in circular frame calcaneal fracture fixation. Materials and Methods: After olive tip wires were inserted, an L-shaped incision on the lateral and medial aspects of 5 formalin fixed cadaveric feet was performed to expose the underlying soft tissues. The calcaneus was divided into zones corresponding to high, medium and low risk using a grading system. Results: Structures at high risk included the posterior tibial artery, posterior tibial vein and posterior tibial nerve on the medial aspect. Soft tissue structures on the lateral side that were shown to be at lower risk of injury were the small saphenous vein and the sural nerve and the tendons of fibularis longus and fibularis brevis. Conclusion: The lateral surface of the calcaneus provides a lower risk area for external fixation. The risk of injury to significant soft tissues using a circular frame fixation approach has been shown to be greater on the medial aspect. Clinical Relevance: This study highlights the relevant anatomical relations in circular frame fixation for calcaneal fractures to minimize damage to these structures.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Rea, Professor Paul
Authors: Esparon, T., Thomson, C. M., Rea, P. M., and Jamal, B.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Journal Name:Injury
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0020-1383
ISSN (Online):1879-0267
Published Online:14 October 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.
First Published:First published in Injury 47(12):2700-2705
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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