Fractures of The Foot and Ankle 2018

Nirmal C.
Tejwani
Editor
Fractures of the
Foot and Ankle
A Clinical Casebook
123
Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Nirmal C. Tejwani
Editor
Fractures of the Foot

and Ankle
A Clinical Casebook
Editor
Nirmal C. Tejwani
Department of Orthopedic Surgery
NYU Langone Medical Center
New York, NY
USA
ISBN 978-3-319-60455-8 ISBN 978-3-319-60456-5 (eBook)

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5
Library of Congress Control Number: 2017951867
© Springer International Publishing AG 2018

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This book is dedicated to my wife Mona and my
daughters Ruchi and Rhea, as it would not have been
possible without their support and encouragement.
Preface
Injuries to the foot and ankle are common and a wide variety of
implants and techniques are available for their surgical treatment.
This is based on fracture type and location, soft tissue status,
implant availability as well as surgeon experience. With the spec-
trum of injuries ranging from intra-articular fractures to complex
combinations of injuries, the treatment methods vary widely. Use
of internal or external fixation is described using actual cases as
treated by the authors.
The purpose of this book is to give the readers case examples of
different foot and ankle fractures from the ankle to the metatarsals
and their treatment options. This book is entirely case based and
uses clinical case scenarios and attempts to put you in the sur-
geon’s shoes. Each case illustrates different options for treatment
with the author’s thinking process; follow-up and outcomes of
options used in the treatment are also reported. The goal is not to
substitute knowledge learning from textbooks or journals but to
provide clinical examples elucidating the translation of theory to
practice.
The reader must be aware that not all of these treatment options
may be applicable to all situations, but will hopefully make you
aware of what is possible.
The creation of this book would have been impossible without
the conceptual insight of Kristopher Spring (Editor, Clinical
Medicine) and the logistical support of Kumar Athiappan
(Development Editor), both at Springer. Much gratitude is owed to
them for their professionalism and engagement that resulted in the
timely execution of the book project.
New York, USA Nirmal C. Tejwani
vii
Contents
1 Unimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Lateral Malleolus

Only/Supination External Rotation (SER) 4 �� 1
Toni M. McLaurin and Abhishek Ganta
2 Unimalleolar Fractures: Medial Malleolus Only�� 11
Sunil M. Shahane and Nikhil A. Gokhale
3 Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Medial Screws �� 17
Sanjit R. Konda
4 Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Medial Plate�� 25
Marilyn Heng, Mitch Harris, and Michael J. Weaver
5 Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Posterior Plate
for Posterior Malleolus Fractures�� 35
Roy I. Davidovitch and Alexander M. Crespo
6 Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Screws Only
for Posterior Malleolus�� 45
Tonya L. Dixon, Brendan R. Southam,
and Michael T. Archdeacon
7 Maisonneuve Ankle Injuries �� 53
William Min
8 Maisonneuve Fractures: Syndesmotic Fixation
Using Plate�� 69
Natalie R. Danna and Nirmal C. Tejwani
9 Calcaneus Fracture: Extended Lateral Approach�� 77
Neil Sardesai, Mark Gage, and Marcus Sciadini
ix
x Contents
10 Operative Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures

Through a Sinus Tarsi Approach �� 91
Abhishek Ganta and Philipp Leucht
11 Tongue-Type Calcaneus Fractures �� 101
Philip Wolinsky and Chad Beck
12 Cuboid and Nutcracker Fractures �� 109
Daniel Segina and Ryan Wilson
13 Navicular Fractures �� 125
Mark Ayoub and David Polonet
14 Lisfranc Fracture/Dislocation Treated
with Primary Arthrodesis �� 137
Clayton C. Bettin, Florian Nickisch,
and Edward A. Perez
15 Lisfranc Fracture/Dislocation Treated
with ORIF �� 149
Daniela Sanchez, Daniel Scott Horwitz, Amrut Borade,
and Harish Kempegowda
16 Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Treated
with Intramedullary Screw Fixation�� 163
Kathryn O’Connor
17 Metatarsal Fractures Fixed with Plates or Wires �� 173
Megan Reilly and Saqib Rehman
18 Calcaneus Malunion with Subtalar Fusion
(Bone Block Arthrodesis)�� 183
Selene G. Parekh and Rajiv Shah
19 Nail Plate Combination (NPC) Treatment for
Infected, Charcot Ankle Fracture Malunion�� 199
Nicole M. Stevens, Richard S. Yoon,
and Frank A. Liporace
Contents xi
20 Failed Syndesmotic Injury of Ankle�� 209

J. Dheenadhayalan
21 Charcot Arthropathy �� 217
Natalie R. Danna and Kenneth J. Mroczek
22 Post-traumatic Ankle Arthropathy Treated
with Arthrodesis�� 225
Matthew S. MacDougall, Daniel J. Gittings,
and Jaimo Ahn
Index�� 233
Contributors
Jaimo Ahn, MD, PhD, FACS Department of Orthopaedic

Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Michael T. Archdeacon, MD, MSE Department of Orthopaedic
Surgery, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati,
OH, USA
Mark Ayoub, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rutgers-
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ,
USA
Chad Beck, MD Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 W.
Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Clayton C. Bettin, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Tennessee—Campbell Clinic, Memphis, TN, USA
Amrut Borade, MBBS, MS Department of Orthopaedics,
Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA
Alexander M. Crespo, MD Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Hospital
for Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA
Natalie R. Danna, MD Department of Orthopedics, NYU
Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
Roy I. Davidovitch, MD Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for
Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA
J. Dheenadhayalan, MS (Ortho) Department of Orthopaedics,
Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, India
xiii
xiv Contributors
Tonya L. Dixon, MD, MPH Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,

Division of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Waltham, MA, USA
Mark Gage, MD Department of Orthopaedics, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma
Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
Abhishek Ganta, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York University School of
Medicine, New York, NY, USA
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint
Diseases, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
Daniel J. Gittings, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Nikhil A. Gokhale, MS (Orth.), MRCS (Ed.) Registrar in
Orthopaedics, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Kings Mill Hospital,
Sherwood Forest Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton in
Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, UK
Mitch Harris, MD Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s
Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Marilyn Heng, MD, MPH, FRCSC Orthopaedic Surgery,
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Orthopaedic Trauma
Initiative, Boston, MA, USA
Daniel Scott Horwitz, MD Department of Orthopaedics, Geisinger
Health System, Danville, PA, USA
Harish Kempegowda, MBBS, MS Department of Orthopaedics,
Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA
Sanjit R. Konda, MD Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Queens,
NY, USA
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Langone Medical
Center, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA
Philipp Leucht, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital
for Joint Diseases, New York University School of Medicine,
New York, NY, USA
Contributors xv
Frank A. Liporace, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,

Jersey City Medical Center—RWJBarnabas Health, Jersey City,
NJ, USA
Matthew S. MacDougall, MS Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
Toni M. McLaurin, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Chief of Orthopaedic Service Bellevue Hospital Center, NYU
William Min, MD, MS, MBA The Hughston Clinic at Gwinnett
Medical Center, Lawrenceville, GA, USA
Kenneth J. Mroczek, MD Department of Orthopedic Surgery,
New York University Langone Hospital for Joint Diseases, New
York, NY, USA
Florian Nickisch, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Kathryn O’Connor, MD, MSPT Department of Orthopaedics,
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Selene G. Parekh, MD, MBA Department of Orthopaedic
Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
Edward A. Perez, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Tennessee—Campbell Clinic, Memphis, TN, USA
David Polonet, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jersey
Shore University Medical Center, Wall, NJ, USA
Saqib Rehman, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Megan Reilly, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Temple
University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Daniela Sanchez, MD Department of Orthopaedics, Geisinger
Health System, Danville, PA, USA
Neil Sardesai, MD Department of Orthopaedics, University of
Maryland School of Medicine, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma
xvi Contributors
Marcus Sciadini, MD Department of Orthopaedics, University

of Maryland School of Medicine, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma
Daniel Segina, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Holmes
Regional Medical Center, Melbourne, FL, USA
Rajiv Shah, MS (Ortho) Department of Foot and Ankle
Orthopaedics, Sunshine Global Hospitals, Vadodara, India
Sunil M. Shahane, MS (Orth.), MCh (Orth.) Senior Orthopaedic
Consultant, Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Nanavati Super
Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Brendan R. Southam, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH,
USA
Nicole M. Stevens, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA
Nirmal C. Tejwani, MD Department of Orthopedics, NYU
Michael J. Weaver, MD Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and
Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
Ryan Wilson, PA-C, MPAS Department of Orthopaedics,
Holmes Regional Medical Center, Melbourne, FL, USA
Philip Wolinsky, MD UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento,
CA, USA
Richard S. Yoon, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Jersey City Medical Center—RWJBarnabas Health, Jersey City,
NJ, USA
Chapter 1
Unimalleolar Ankle Fracture:
Lateral Malleolus Only/
Supination External Rotation
(SER) 4
Toni M. McLaurin and Abhishek Ganta
Clinical History
A 64-year-old female with well-controlled type II diabetes
and a history of prior transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) sus-
tained an injury to her right ankle when she slipped and fell
on ice. She noted immediate right ankle pain and deformity,
was unable to bear weight after her fall, and presented to the
emergency room. The patient had diffuse swelling and ecchy-
mosis throughout her ankle and tenderness to palpation over
the lateral malleolus. There was no tenderness medially. She
was neurovascularly intact.
T.M. McLaurin, M.D. (*)

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chief of Orthopaedic Service
Bellevue Hospital Center, NYU Langone Medical Center,
550 First Avenue, BHC CD4-98, New York, NY 10016, USA
e-mail: [email protected]
A. Ganta, M.D.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital
for Joint Diseases, NYU Langone Medical Center,
301 E. 17th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA
N.C. Tejwani (ed.), Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, 1

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_1,
2 T.M. McLaurin and A. Ganta
Injury Radiographs
Anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and mortise views of the ankle
demonstrate a long oblique lateral malleolus fracture at the
level of the syndesmosis (Fig. 1.1). There is minimal comminu-
tion at the fracture site and the fracture extends in an anteroin-
ferior to posterosuperior direction from the level of the
plafond. The lateral view of the ankle demonstrates a commi-
nuted posterior malleolus fracture that involves less than 10%
of the articular surface. The mortise view shows an incongruent
tibiotalar joint with lateral subluxation of the talus within the
mortise. Given the direction and pattern of the fibula fracture,
this patient was diagnosed with a Lauge-Hansen supination
external rotation IV ankle fracture (SER IV).
There are several radiographic criteria used to assess tibio-
talar and syndesmotic stability that must be evaluated on ini-
tial injury radiographs. These parameters include fibular
shortening, widening of the medial joint space, talar tilt, and
malrotation of the fibula. Adequately assessing the congruency
of the tibiotalar articular is paramount as 1 mm of tibiotalar
displacement can lead to a 40% increase in joint contact pres-
sures [1]. While bimalleolar fractures are inherently unstable,
an isolated fibula fracture is only considered unstable if there
is an accompanying medial-sided deltoid ligament injury.
a b c
Figure 1.1 Anteroposterior (a), mortise (b), and lateral (c) radiographs
showing an oblique lateral malleolus fracture with an intact medial mal-
leolus and widening of the medial clear space on the AP and mortise views
Chapter 1. Unimalleolar Ankle Fracture 3
Medial clear space widening of greater than or equal to

5 mm on radiographs taken in dorsiflexion with an external
rotation stress is most predictive of deep deltoid ligament
incompetence after a distal fibular fracture [2]. A stress exter-
nal rotation radiograph done either manually or with gravity
is obtained to determine if there is talar shift and often shows
a high rate of positive stress on isolated fibular fractures with
an intact mortise [3]. It is important to note that medial ten-
derness, ecchymosis, and swelling are not predictive of deltoid
incompetence. Studies have shown that the use of gravity
stress radiographs is equivalent to manual stress to determine
medial-sided ligamentous injury [4]. However, the author’s
preference is to perform a manual stress examination.
reatment Considerations and Timing

T
of Surgery
Given the closed nature of this injury, after closed reduction
and splinting, the decision was made to send the patient
home and surgery was scheduled for the following week once
swelling had subsided. Based on the radiographs showing a
lateral malleolus fracture without signs of significant com-
minution, the plan was to proceed with open reduction and
internal fixation with a lag screw and neutralization plate
following the principles of absolute stability. The posterior
malleolus fragment did not involve a significant portion of
the articular surface and did not require internal fixation.
Surgical Tact
Positioning
The patient is positioned supine on a radiolucent operating

room table with a radiolucent distal extension if available.
A tightly rolled small bump is placed under the ipsilateral
posterosuperior iliac spine to combat external rotation of
the leg and allow for easier access to the lateral malleolus.
A radiolucent foam ramp is placed under the ipsilateral
extremity to aid in intraoperative imaging by positioning the

operative extremity at a higher level than the contralateral
limb (to allow for unimpeded lateral view), and the C-arm is
placed on the contralateral side of the table.
Approach
The author prefers to use a posterolateral approach to the fib-

ula, placing the incision along the posterior border of the fibula.
Dissection is carried down to the fascia with care to protect any
branches of the superficial peroneal nerve, although the more
posterior placement of the incision usually keeps the nerve in
the anterior skin flap and away from the surgical field. The
peroneal tendons and muscles are retracted posteriorly and
protected throughout the approach and procedure. Minimal
retraction is performed to relieve tension on the soft tissues.
Fracture Reduction and Fixation
Following exposure and debridement of periosteum from

the fracture site including sharp excision of any periosteum
interposed within the fracture site, pointed reduction forceps
are used to obtain an anatomic reduction of the fibula. Given
the oblique nature of the fracture, and limited comminution,
fixation is amenable to a lag screw. A 3.5 mm lag screw is
then placed perpendicular to the fracture site in a lag-by-
technique fashion, in an anterosuperior to posteroinferior
direction. After placement of the 3.5 mm lag screw, a one-
third tubular plate is pre-contoured and provisionally held to
the lateral side of the fibula with reduction forceps. Fibular
length, rotation, as well as appropriate plate placement and
length are verified fluoroscopically on AP and lateral views.
The plate is fixed proximally with 3.5 mm bicortical screws
and distally with 4.0 mm unicortical fully threaded cancellous
screws. After fixation of the fibula, an external rotation stress
test was performed and showed widening of the medial clear
space, so placement of a syndesmotic screw was required.
With the ankle held in dorsiflexion, a large pointed reduction
clamp was placed across the syndesmosis with one tine on

the fibula and the second tine on the tibia just proximal to
the medial malleolus through a small stab incision to obtain
and maintain an adequate reduction of the syndesmosis on
the mortise view. A quadricortical 3.5 mm cortical screw
was then placed through the fibula, across the syndesmosis
and into the tibia. Intraoperative fluoroscopic views showed
acceptable reduction and fixation of the lateral malleolus and
syndesmosis (Fig. 1.2). The wound was closed and the leg was
placed in a short leg splint postoperatively.
a b
c d
Figure 1.2 AP (a), mortise (b), and lateral (c) intraoperative fluoro-
scopic views showing lag-screw fixation of the lateral malleolus, and
placement of a lateral neutralization plate and syndesmotic screw. A
view parallel to the long axis of the syndesmotic screw (d) shows appro-
priate placement of the screw through both the fibula and the tibia
a b
Figure 1.3 Intraoperative external rotation stress test (a) and

Cotton test (b)
Stress testing to determine the need for syndesmotic fixation

after rigid stabilization of the fibula can be performed with a
manual external rotation stress test, or with direct lateral pulling
of the fibula (Cotton Test), examples of which are shown in
Fig. 1.3 in other patients. While the author prefers to use the
manual external rotation test, either test is valuable to detect
unstable syndesmotic injuries despite rigid malleolar fixation [5].
In terms of surgical technique for placement of syndesmotic
screws, neither the number of screws (two vs. one) nor the size
of the screws (3.5 mm vs. 4.5 mm cortical screws) makes a dif-
ference in clinical outcomes in compliant patients. This is also
true for the number of cortices (tricortical vs. quadricortical)
across which the screw is placed [6]. Although it is also possible
to address the syndesmotic injury directly with fixation of the
posterior malleolus, based on both the small size and commi-
nution of the posterior malleolus fragment, trans-syndesmotic
screw fixation was chosen for this particular fracture [6].
Postoperative Protocol
A short leg plaster splint was placed and the patient was to
be non-weight bearing for a period of 6 weeks. Per the
author’s preference, at 2 weeks, sutures are removed and a
removable boot is placed to allow range-of-motion exercises

while the patient remains non-weight bearing. At 6 weeks,
radiographs are obtained and the patient advanced to weight
bearing as tolerated.
Outcome
The patient was followed for 1 year with regular radiographs.
The 1-year postoperative radiographs shown in Fig. 1.4
demonstrate union of the lateral malleolus with no evidence
of any hardware complications. Lucency is noted around
the syndesmotic screw, but the screw itself remains intact.
The mortise is intact in all views and there are no signs of
degenerative changes in the tibiotalar joint. Clinically, the
patient is able to dorsiflex to 20° and plantarflex to 45°. She
ambulates with a normal gait without any assistive devices.
The author’s preference is to avoid performing routine
hardware removal. Syndesmotic screws as well as the lateral
plate and screws are removed only if they become symptom-
atic. Retained screws do not significantly impair functional
capacity, even in the syndesmosis, and retention of hardware
is also more cost effective compared to elective screw
a b c
Figure 1.4 One-year postoperative AP (a), mortise (b), and lateral

(c) radiographs demonstrate a healed lateral malleolus fracture with
lucency around the syndesmotic screw, but an intact mortise and no
evidence of posttraumatic arthrosis
removal. It is important to advise the patient early in the

postoperative course that due to normal motion at the syn-
desmosis, the syndesmotic screw may show signs of loosening
or even break but this has no clinical significance and does
not indicate the need for additional surgery once the syndes-
mosis has healed.
Salient Points/Pearls
Lateral malleolus fractures with an associated medial deltoid
ligament injury (SER IV) are unstable and require different
management than an isolated lateral malleolus fracture.
• If injury radiographs do not demonstrate obvious medial
clear space widening, it is important to obtain a stress
radiograph to evaluate deltoid ligament competence.
• The presence of greater than 5 mm of medial clear space
widening on a stress radiograph indicates an unstable injury
pattern that is best managed with operative fixation.
• Once the fibula is stabilized intraoperatively, the stability
of the syndesmosis needs to be assessed with either a
Cotton test or an external rotation stress test to determine
the need for syndesmosis fixation.
• The size of the screws, number of screws used, and number
of cortices crossed (3 or 4) do not affect the outcome of
syndesmotic fixation.
• Despite trends towards earlier weight bearing after opera-
tive fixation of ankle fracture, patients should be non-
weight bearing for at least 6 weeks after syndesmotic
fixation.
• A syndesmotic injury predicts a worse outcome than seen
with lateral malleolus fractures that do not require syndes-
motic fixation.
References
1. Ramsey PL, Hamilton W. Changes in tibiotalar area of con-
tact caused by lateral talar shift. J Bone Joint Surg Am.
1976;58(3):356–7.
2. Park SS, Kubiak EN, Egol KA, Kummer F, Koval KJ. Stress

radiographs after ankle fracture: the effect of ankle position and
deltoid ligament status on medial clear space measurements.
J Orthop Trauma. 2006;20(1):11–8.
3. Egol KA,Amirtharajah M,Tejwani NC, Capla EL, Koval KJ. Ankle
stress test for predicting the need for surgical fixation of isolated
fibular fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004;86-A(11):2393–8.
4. Gill JB, Risko T, Raducan V, Grimes JS, Schutt RC Jr. Comparison
of manual and gravity stress radiographs for the evaluation of
supination-external rotation fibular fractures. J Bone Joint Surg
Am. 2007;89(5):994–9.
5. Jenkinson RJ, Sanders DW, Macleod MD, Domonkos A, Lydestadt
J. Intraoperative diagnosis of syndesmosis injuries in external
rotation ankle fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2005;19(9):604–9.
6. Hoiness P, Stromsoe K. Tricortical versus quadricortical syn-
desmosis fixation in ankle fractures: a prospective, randomized
study comparing two methods of syndesmosis fixation. J Orthop
Trauma. 2004;18(6):331–7.
Chapter 2
Unimalleolar Fractures:
Medial Malleolus Only
Sunil M. Shahane and Nikhil A. Gokhale
Case Presentation
This is a 40-year-old female who sustained closed injury to ankle

following a twisting injury. She was brought to the emergency
room for evaluation and underwent placement into a splint.
Injury films (Fig. 2.1) (AP, mortise, and lateral views)
revealed an isolated fracture of the medial malleolus with a
vertical fracture line indicating a supination adduction type
of injury. Suspicion of an intra-articular step prompted us to
perform a CT scan which confirmed our suspicion.
Treatment and timing of surgery: Surgery was planned on
the sixth day after swelling subsided. Plan was to elevate the
depressed fragment and apply an antiglide plate over the
medial malleolus.
S.M. Shahane, M.S. (Orth.), M.Ch. (Orth.) (*)

Senior Orthopaedic Consultant, Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery,
Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056, India
N.A. Gokhale, M.S. (Orth.), M.R.C.S. (Ed.)
Registrar in Orthopaedics, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Kings Mill
Hospital, Sherwood Forest Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust,
Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 4JL, UK

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_2,
12 S.M. Shahane and N.A. Gokhale
Figure 2.1 Anteroposterior X-ray post-injury and CT films showing

intra-articular step
Surgical Tact
Position: Supine position under spinal anesthesia.

Approach: A J-shaped incision curving anteriorly (Fig. 2.2)
was used over the medial malleolus to gain access to the
medial malleolus and the anteromedial corner of the tibial
plafond.
Fracture reduction and fixation: A small-incision
arthrotomy was done in the anteromedial part of the tibial
plafond to allow a small curved mosquito forceps to be
passed in to feel for the depressed fragment. The depressed
fragment was elevated through the fracture site under fluo-
roscopic guidance and the fracture was reduced using a
clamp. K-wires were used to provisionally hold the reduc-
tion. Reduction was confirmed on fluoroscopy and by feel-
ing for the depressed fragment using a curved mosquito
forceps. A T-plate was used in antiglide mode for fixation
with the lower screws acting as raft screws subchondrally
(Fig. 2.3).
Chapter 2. Unimalleolar Fractures: Medial Malleolus Only 13
Saphenous nerve
Long saphenous vein
Figure 2.2 J-shaped skin incision curving anteriorly
Figure 2.3 Postoperative X-rays

Postoperative Plan
A short leg splint was placed for 3 days for comfort and pain
control. Range-of-motion exercises were started after 3 days.
The patient remained non-weight bearing for 6 weeks after
which partial weight bearing was started.
At 12 weeks, the patient was full weight bearing and had
resumed household ambulation.
Outcome
Follow-up radiographs at 12 weeks show healed fracture. She

had residual swelling which took another 6 weeks to disap-
pear completely. Patient returned to full function at 6 months
with full ankle motion.
Complications: None. No plans for hardware removal.
• Herscovici in 2007 reported 57 isolated medial malleolus
fractures and presented a classification system (Fig. 2.4). In
his series, he obtained good results with conservative man-
agement of isolated medial malleolus fractures.
Four simple patterns have been described:

A—Tip avulsions
B—Intermediate fracture line
C—Fracture at the level of the plafond
D—Fracture above the level of plafond
The surgical management of a displaced medial malleolar
fractures is often described in relation to its presentation as a
part of bi- or tri-malleolar injuries. In such cases the recom-
mendation is as follows:
Type A fractures: These are avulsion fractures of the ante-
rior colliculus. Surgery must be aimed at fixation of the
avulsed fragment. Generally the avulsed fragment is small
Chapter 2. Unimalleolar Fractures: Medial Malleolus Only 15
Figure 2.4 Classification of medial malleolar fractures
and needs to be fixed with two K-wires, supplemented with a

tension band. After fixing the avulsed anterior colliculus, if
there is displacement of the talus within the mortise indicat-
ing a rupture of the deep deltoid ligament, it should be
repaired/reconstructed appropriately.
Type B and C fractures: These are avulsion injuries and
should be fixed using compression screws (two if possible to
prevent rotation) or tension band wiring depending on the
size of fragment. Screws inserted posterior to the anterior
colliculus place the posterior tibial tendon at significant risk
for injury or abutment. Hence, the posterior tibial tendon
should be directly visualized prior to the placement of screws
in the medial malleolus when they are inserted posterior to
the anterior colliculus.
Type D fractures: These fractures require accurate reduction
of the plafond. If there is an impacted area it should be ele-
vated. Bone graft can be used to fill in any void left after eleva-
tion. Fixation can be achieved by using cancellous lag screws
perpendicular to the fracture site or by using antiglide plates.
• It is advisable to wait for the swelling to subside before
operating on these fractures to reduce the chances of post-
operative wound complications. It is also important to raise
thick flaps.
• Care should be taken to avoid injury to the saphenous

vein and nerve in the anterior aspect of the incision and
the posterior tibial tendon in the distal aspect of the
incision.
• Ankle range of motion should be started as soon as per-
missible to avoid postoperative ankle stiffness. Weight
bearing is avoided till 6 weeks after surgery.
Further Reading
1. Davidovitch RI, Egol KA. The medial malleolus osteoligamen-
tous complex and its role in ankle fractures. Bull NYU Hosp Jt
Dis. 2009;67(4):318–324.
2. Pankovich AM, Shivraram MS. Anatomical basis of variability in
injuries of the medial malleolus and the deltoid ligament. Acta
Orthop Scand. 1979;50:217–223.
3. Herscovici D, Scaduto JM, Infante A. Conservative treatment of
isolated fractures of the medial malleolus. J Bone Joint Surg Br.
2007;89(1):89–93.
4. Trauma and orthopaedic classifications: a comprehensive over-
view. In: Lasanianos NG, Kanakaris NK, Giannoudis PV, editors.
Medial malleoli fractures. p. 371–3.
5. Femino JE, Gruber BF, Karunakar MA. Safe zone for the place-
ment of medial malleolar screws. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89
(1):133–38.
Chapter 3
Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture:
Medial Screws
Sanjit R. Konda
Case Presentation
A 52-year-old female with a past medical history of hyperten-
sion and hyperlipidemia was brought to the emergency room
by ambulance after falling down two stairs. On physical
examination her injury was isolated to her left ankle. She had
a gross deformity about her ankle and no open wounds. She
had a normal sensory and motor examination. Plain radio-
graphs demonstrated a bimalleolar ankle fracture-disloca-
tion. An intra-articular hematoma block was administered
with 10 cc of 1% lidocaine to provide local anesthesia, a
closed reduction was performed, and the patient was placed
into a well-padded short leg plaster splint with a posterior
slab and U-slab.
S.R. Konda, M.D.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Queens, NY, USA
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Langone Medical
Center, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_3,
18 S.R. Konda
Injury and Post-reduction Films

AP, mortise, and lateral plain radiographs of the left ankle
demonstrate a displaced short oblique fracture of the distal
fibula at the level of the tibial plafond (Weber B) and a dis-
placed transverse medial malleolar fracture. The talus is sub-
luxed laterally on the AP and mortise view and posteriorly on
the lateral view (Fig. 3.1). Post-reduction plain radiograph AP,
mortise, and lateral views demonstrate that the talus is now
reduced under the tibial plafond (Fig. 3.2).
Treatment and Timing of Surgery

In this patient because the ankle was reduced in an expedi-
tious manner, there was minimal swelling about the ankle.
Thus, the patient was able to be taken to the operating room
the same day for operative fixation of her ankle. Had there
been significant swelling about the ankle or a delay in closed
reduction that would have predisposed the patient to signifi-
cant swelling about the ankle, then delayed operative fixation
would have been reasonable until the swelling subsided.
Figure 3.1 Injury films AP, mortise, and lateral

Chapter 3. Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Medial Screws 19
Figure 3.2 Post-reduction films AP, mortise, lateral
In terms of fixation strategy, the fracture pattern of the

fibula was amenable to lag-screw fixation of the short
oblique fibula fracture and neutralization of this screw with
a laterally based plate adhering to principles of absolute
stability fixation. Similarly, the transverse nature of the
medial malleolar fracture was amenable to lag-screw fixa-
tion to compress the fracture also providing absolute
stability.
Surgical Tact
Position
The patient is positioned supine on the operating room table

with a small bump under the ipsilateral hip to internally
rotate the leg such that the patella is pointing directly towards
the ceiling. The leg is elevated off the table with a ramp of
sheets placed under the thigh and tibia such that the knee is
flexed 30° and the tibia remains parallel to the ground. A
thigh tourniquet is utilized and is set to 100 mmHg above the
systolic blood pressure (generally around 250 mmHg). The
fluoroscopy machine is situated on the contralateral side of
the injured extremity and the surgical implants and tools are
situated on the ipsilateral side.
20 S.R. Konda
Approach: Medial Malleolus

A 4 cm incision centered over the medial malleolus and
curved slightly anteriorly at the tip of the medial malleolus is
used to expose the fracture site. Dissection is carried down to
the fracture site with care taken to protect the saphenous
vein and nerve.

After displacing the medial malleolus, removing any debris
from the tibia-talar joint space, and clearing the fracture site
of interposed clot and/or periosteum, fracture reduction is
performed. First, a pilot hole is drilled with a 2.5 mm drill into
the medial tibia 1 cm proximal to the fracture and in the mid-
line of the fracture. A small pointed bone reduction clamp is
then used to reduce the fracture anatomically with care taken
to ensure that the visualized anterior and medial cortices of
the fracture key in perfectly. After the fracture is reduced,
fluoroscopic images are obtained to confirm the reduction.
Next, fracture fixation is performed; initially guide wires
are inserted from the tip of the medial malleolus across the
fracture under fluoroscopic control. Attention must be paid
to the direction of the wires, such that they are parallel to
each other and perpendicular to the fracture. Two 4.0 mm
partially threaded non-cannulated cancellous screws are used
for fixation. The screws are placed in parallel fashion and
tightened sequentially to allow for increased compression at
the fracture site while minimizing rotatory displacement.
Care is taken to avoid too posterior placement of the screw
on the medial malleolus as it can cause irritation on the pos-
terior tibial tendon. Next, a stress examination of the ankle is
performed to evaluate for distal syndesmotic injury and the
syndesmosis is noted to be stable without widening. Final
fluoroscopic XRs are obtained including AP, mortise, lateral,
and a lateral external rotation view which confirm concentric
reduction of the ankle mortise and anatomic reduction of the

fibula and the medial malleolus (Fig. 3.3).
Postoperative Plan
The patient is placed into a well-padded short leg plaster
splint with a posterior slab and U-slab. The patient is dis-
charged home the same day with aspirin 325 mg as DVT
prophylaxis. She is instructed to remain non-weight bearing
for a total of 6 weeks postoperatively and to follow up in the
office in 2 weeks for suture removal.
Figure 3.3 AP, mortise, stress view, lateral, and lateral-external

rotation view
22 S.R. Konda
Figure 3.4 1-year postoperative radiographs: AP, mortise, and lateral
Outcome
The patient has been followed for 1 year postoperatively and
her radiographs demonstrate a healed bimalleolar ankle frac-
ture with consolidation at the fracture sites and maintenance
of the concentric reduction of the ankle mortise (Fig. 3.4).
She completed a short course of physical therapy and gradu-
ally returned to impact activities and is able to ambulate
without an assistive device.
• The medial malleolus confirms anterolateral rotational
stability to the talus under the tibial plafond [1, 2].
• Transverse or short oblique fractures of the medial malleo-
lus are amenable to lag by design fracture fixation using
partially threaded cancellous screws.
• Comminuted fractures of the medial malleolus can be fixed
with screw fixation; however, compression of the fracture
should be avoided as this will lead to malreduction of the
Figure 3.5 Bicortical medial malleolar screw fixation to prevent

over-compression and displacement of the medial malleolar fracture
fracture. In this scenario, bicortical fully threaded screw

fixation scan be used to serve as a strut to maintain the
medial malleolar reduction (Fig. 3.5).
• Open reduction and internal fixation is recommended
over percutaneous fixation of the fracture to achieve ana-
tomic fracture reduction.
• In the setting of truly nondisplaced medial malleolar frac-
ture that would benefit from operative fixation, percutane-
ous fixation can be achieved with cannulated 4.0 mm
partially threaded screws.
• Placement of two screws (instead of one screw) is needed
to avoid rotation of the medial malleolus fragment.
• Avoid placement of the medial malleolar screw in a posi-
tion where the screw head will be in contact with the pos-
terior tibial tendon as this can lead to chronic posterior
tibial tendonitis.
• A lateral external rotation view of the medial malleolus
can help judge medial malleolar reduction in an orthogo-
nal plane to the ankle mortise radiographic view.
24 S.R. Konda
References
1. Michelson JD, Waldman B. An axially loaded model of the ankle
after pronation external rotation injury. Clin Orthop Relat Res.
1996;328:285–93.
2. Davidovitch RI, Egol KA. The medial malleolus osteoligamen-
tous complex and its role in ankle fractures. Bull NYU Hosp Jt
Dis. 2009;67(4):318–24.
Chapter 4
Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture:
Medial Plate
Marilyn Heng, Mitch Harris, and Michael J. Weaver
Clinical Scenario
A 37-year-old female presents to the emergency department
with an isolated left-ankle injury. She slipped and fell going
down her basement stairs and twisted her left ankle. She is a
healthy woman with no significant medical history and she is
a non-smoker.
On physical examination, the patient has swelling and ten-
derness of the left ankle. There is obvious deformity of the
ankle but the skin is intact and non-threatened. Distal motor
and sensory examination is intact.
Initial injury X-rays (Fig. 4.1) reveal a fracture-dislocation
of the ankle consistent with a supination-adduction (SAD)
mechanism per Lauge-Hansen classification [1]. A transverse
M. Heng, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.S.C.

Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard
Orthopaedic Trauma Initiative, Boston, MA 02114, USA
M. Harris, M.D. (*) • M.J. Weaver, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Boston, MA 02115, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_4,
26 M. Heng et al.
Figure 4.1 Initial injury AP and lateral radiographs
fibula fracture at the level of the mortise and a vertical

medial malleolus fracture are the characteristic radiographic
findings of an SAD-type ankle fracture.
The patient underwent closed reduction of the ankle
under hematoma block, was placed into a plaster splint, and
was scheduled for surgical management.
Treatment Considerations and Planning

The vertical nature of the medial malleolus fracture line
lends itself well to fixation with an anti-glide/buttress con-
struct. Usually, a one-third tubular plate is sufficient.
The classic sequence of events in a SAD ankle fracture
involves the talus being driven medially against the medial
malleolus (Fig. 4.2). This has the potential to cause mar-
ginal impaction at the medial tibial plafond [2]. A CT scan
of the ankle is often useful in confirming the presence/
absence of medial impaction at the articular surface
(Fig. 4.3). The impaction may be located at the axilla of the
medial plafond or on the medial aspect of the stable distal
Chapter 4. Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Medial Plate 27
Figure 4.2 Supination-adduction fracture mechanism results in

talus being driven medially into the axially of the medial malleolus
tibia articular surface (Fig. 4.4). It is important to recognize

the marginal impaction in order to address and correct it at
the time of surgery. A CT scan can also be useful in identi-
fying the location of the apex of the medial fracture, allow-
ing exact placement of the most optimal surgical incision
(Fig. 4.5).
Surgical Timing
Most ankle fractures will allow for acute open reduction internal
fixation. Delay in medial plating is recommended in instances
of extreme significant swelling (without skin wrinkling),
28 M. Heng et al.
a b
Figure 4.3 CT scan of the ankle demonstrating (a) absence of mar-

ginal impaction, (b) presence of marginal impaction (**note: b
images are from different patient)
local abrasions associated with the injury or haemorrhagic

blistering at the site of intended incision due to the concern for
the inability to close the surgical incision, or subsequent wound
healing and infection issues.
Surgical Tact
Position
The surgery is performed on a radiolucent table with a stack

of blankets or a foam block used to create a platform to
allow for acquisition of lateral imaging without lifting or
manipulating the leg (Fig. 4.6). Patients should be posi-
tioned supine with a bump placed under the ipsilateral hip
especially if the leg lies in significant external rotation at
rest such that the foot points straight up and down. This
allows for access to both the medial and lateral sides of the
ankle. The authors prefer to use a tourniquet; however this
is not mandatory.
Figure 4.4 Marginal impaction seen on AP radiograph (** note:

different patient from case example)
Approach
Careful evaluation of the CT scan can help with planning the

medial surgical approach. It is important to plan an incision
that will allow you to visualize the fracture line, and place a
plate over the apex of the fracture to create a buttress. As
many of these injuries involve articular impaction, visualiza-
tion of this portion of the ankle joint to allow for reduction of
30 M. Heng et al.
Figure 4.5 Identifying the apex (yellow arrow) of the medial frac-
ture in order to plan the surgical approach
Figure 4.6 Setup and patient positioning for ankle fracture surgery
the joint surface and bone grafting or fixation is useful.

Typically, an anteromedial incision permits adequate access
to address these surgical goals.
Once the skin incision has been made, care should be
taken to identify and protect the saphenous vein. Along the
same course run the distal branches of the saphenous verve.
Injury to these small nerve branches can lead to a painful

neuroma. Otherwise, apart from subcutaneous tissues, the
exposure is taken directly down to bone. The apex of the
fracture is identified and one can proceed with fracture
reduction and fixation.
Supination adduction injuries involve medial translation of

the talus. This impacts into the medial malleolus and causes
fracture and displacement. The talus then subluxes medi-
ally. For this reason we find approaching the medial side of
these injuries first to be helpful. As the fracture is reduced,
and a buttress plate is applied, the talus reduces into the
ankle mortise and an indirect reduction of the fibula occurs.
This makes the eventual reduction and fixation of the fib-
ula easier.
First the fracture is approached. Care is taken to avoid
stripping periosteum from the bone beyond that needed to
see and achieve the reduction. Often infolded periosteum
and hematoma need to be debrided from within the fracture.
A laminar spreader may then be used to book open the frac-
ture to expose any areas of articular impaction.
Any impacted fragments are pushed back down into posi-
tion. The talus can often be used as a mould to avoid over-
reduction of the impacted articular portion. Once pushed
down into position, the void left behind the fragments can be
addressed. We typically use cancellous allograft chips either
alone or mixed with demineralized bone matrix and vanco-
mycin powder. Alternatively, calcium phosphate bone graft
substitute can be used.
Once the articular surface of the tibial plafond has been
addressed the medial malleolus fragment can be reduced into
position. The provisional reduction can be maintained with
small K-wires. A one-third tubular plate or other small frag-
ment low-profile plate is selected and slightly under con-
toured to allow for a buttress effect. The plate is laid over the
32 M. Heng et al.
apex of the fracture and the proximal screws are placed first
to compress the primary fracture line. Distal lag screws
through the plate should be placed in order to apply com-
pression across the fracture line.
C-arm fluoroscopy is used throughout to confirm an ana-
tomic reduction of the joint surface and reduction of the
ankle mortise and extra-articular placement of screws.
Once the medial side has been addressed attention can be
turned to the fibula fracture. Unlike many ankle fractures,
SAD patterns are associated with a transverse fracture pat-
tern. This may be amenable to either plate fixation or occa-
sionally an intramedullary screw/wire.
Closure
The wound is closed in layers. Given the high risk of wound

complications with ankle fractures we prefer to use nylon
sutures for the skin closure.
Post-operative Protocol
Post-operatively, the authors prefer to keep the patient in
the plaster splint placed in the operating room at the end
of surgery for 2 weeks. The patient is mobilized touch-down
weight bearing on the affected leg. At 2-week follow-up, the
leg is removed from the plaster splint and is allowed to begin
active and passive range of motion of the ankle. The patient’s
weight-bearing restriction is lifted at 6 weeks post-opera-
tively and the patient is encouraged to progress weight bear-
ing as tolerated, first in an aircast boot and then weaning out
of the boot when comfortable. Formal physical therapy is not
necessarily required; however, certain patient populations
may benefit, such as older patients for supervised guidance
on gait training, ankle strengthening and proprioception, or
athletes for sport-specific rehabilitation.
Follow-Up and Outcome
In general, patients are seen in follow-up at approximately

2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months post-surgery. Weight bearing
can begin between 6 and 12 weeks post-operatively depend-
ing on the degree of articular involvement and quality of the
fixation. By 3 months post-operatively, our patient had
returned to ambulating in regular shoes without the need for
assistive ambulatory aid. She was pain free and her X-rays
demonstrate good healing of the fracture (Fig. 4.7). She was
discharged with instructions to gradually return to all of her
activities and advised on the possibility for the need for hard-
ware removal.
Fixation with a medial plate can result in irritation from
the hardware, especially in thin patients. If required, symp-
tomatic hardware can be removed after the fracture has
completely healed typically after 9–12 months.
Outcomes of supination-adduction medial malleolus frac-
tures treated with plating are good in the literature. In a case
report of eight patients with associated marginal impaction,
Figure 4.7 Final AP, mortise, and lateral radiographs of patient at

3-month follow-up
34 M. Heng et al.
McConnell and Tornetta reported 100% union in 8 weeks,

good-excellent clinical outcome scores, and one patient
requiring screw removal [2]. More recently, Ebraheim et al.
reported on six patients with vertical medial malleolus frac-
tures treated with plating [3]. Ultimately all six patients
achieved union with an average AOFAS score of 84 at
6 months post-operatively; however, the authors rated 17%
of patient as having a delayed union.
• Supination-adduction injuries often involve articular
impaction. Obtain a CT scan to fully evaluate the articular
surface and to locate the apex of the fracture to plan your
surgical approach.
• Unlike most other ankle fracture types, in the case of a
SAD fracture pattern, fixation of the tibia first may make
the overall reduction easier, and often results in near-ana-
tomic realignment and reduction of the fibula.
• During the medial approach, watch out for the saphenous
vein and nerve. Although small, injury to the saphenous
nerves may result in a painful neuroma.
• Reduction of the articular surface may require bone graft-
ing or use of bone graft substitutes.
References
1. Lauge-Hansen N. Fractures of the ankle II. Combined
experimental-surgical and experimental-roentgenologic investi-
gations. Arch Surg. 1950;60(5):957–85.
2. McConnell T, Tornetta P. Marginal plafond impaction in associa-
tion with supination-adduction ankle fractures: a report of eight
cases. J Orthop Trauma. 2001;15(6):447–9.
3. Ebraheim NA, Ludwig T, Weston JT, Carroll T, Liu J. Comparison
of surgical techniques of 111 medial malleolar fractures classified
by fracture geometry. Foot Ankle Surg. 2014;20(4):276–80.
Chapter 5
Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture:
Posterior Plate for Posterior
Malleolus Fractures
Roy I. Davidovitch and Alexander M. Crespo
Introduction
Trimalleolar ankle fractures with a posterior malleolus
component are low-energy injuries in which the posterior
articular surface of the tibia is avulsed by the posteroinferior
tibiofibular ligament. The indications for fixation of small
nonarticular fractures are a matter of debate; however fixa-
tion of larger fragments associated with posterior instability
of the mortise and articular incongruity is well established.
Case Presentation
Patient is a 29-year-old female presenting to the emergency
ward status post a trip and fall incident with an isolated injury
to the right ankle. Her skin was intact, and pulses were present
R.I. Davidovitch, M.D. (*) • A.M. Crespo, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases,
New York, NY 10003, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_5,
36 R.I. Davidovitch and A.M. Crespo
Figure 5.1 Initial radiographs demonstrating right trimalleolar

fracture-dislocation
and symmetric. She had significant swelling and an obvious

deformity of the ankle. Neurovascularly she was intact. Initial
imagin.g revealed an isolated right trimalleolar fracture/dislo-
cation (Fig. 5.1). She was indicated for conscious sedation and
immediate closed reduction in the emergency ward (Fig. 5.2)
to be followed by an ORIF procedure following admission.
Treatment Consideration
When obtaining the patient’s history, it is important to

address medical comorbidities and social habits that will
influence the choice for operative intervention and postop-
erative management. Diabetic patients should undergo
detailed peripheral vascular and neurologic examination.
Signs of poor microvascular status and/or a history of smok-
ing may prompt the surgeon toward less invasive fixation of
Chapter 5. Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture 37
Figure 5.2 Post-reduction radiographs
posterior fragments (percutaneous screws) or nonoperative

management due to the increased risk for wound complica-
tions. Presence of peripheral neuropathy warrants a pro-
longed period of non-weight bearing to minimize the risk of
implant failure.
Standard X-rays of the ankle should always be obtained.
The lateral X-ray is most important in determining the pres-
ence and nature of a posterior malleolus fracture. Posterior
subluxation of the talus, signifying ligamentous instability, can
be reliably identified on the lateral X-ray. If ambiguity exists
it may be appropriate to obtain a CT scan of the ankle to bet-
ter delineate the size of fracture fragment and possible articu-
lar comminution or impaction.
Historically, the most common indication for fixing the
posterior malleolus has been for fragments greater than 25%
of the articular surface [1, 2]. However, articular incongruity
with greater than 2 mm step-off [3], syndesmotic associated
instability [4, 5], and persistent posterior subluxation despite
fibular fixation [6] has also been reported as indications for
fixation. One study has shown that the syndesmosis is
restored to 70% stability with isolated plating of the poste-
rior malleolus versus only 40% stability restored with iso-
lated syndesmotic fixation in the presence of PM fracture [5].
Operative Technique
The posterolateral approach to the ankle is the workhorse for
internal fixation as this approach allows fixation of the poste-
rior malleolus fragment as well as the fibula through a single
incision [6, 7]. The patient is positioned prone on a radiolu-
cent table (Fig. 5.3). An incision is made in the intermuscular
plane between flexor hallucis longus and the peroneal ten-
dons (Fig. 5.4). It is important to identify and preserve the
sural nerve located in the subdermal fat layer, as this struc-
ture enters the surgical field in approximately 80% of cases
[8]. It is our preference to always address the posterior mal-
leolus fragment first as this can aid in restoring length to the
fractured fibula. The periosteum is then elevated off the
posterior tibia. The posterior malleolus is visualized with
medial retraction of the FHL. If medial extension is present,
it can sometimes be addressed with further medial retraction
of the FHL although this pattern may be better addressed
using the posteromedial approach. The fracture is mobilized
from medial to lateral and proximal to distal to maintain the
ligamentous attachment to the fragment [6]. The fracture
fragment is booked open and hematoma is irrigated from
Figure 5.3 Patient positioned prone on radiolucent table

Figure 5.4 Posterolateral approach to the ankle
within the fracture to remove clot and any loose fragments of

bone or tissue which may impede reduction. Reduction can
be achieved using a variety of techniques although our pref-
erence is for gentle pressure using a ballpoint pusher device.
A K-wire placed from posterior to anterior can aid in holding
the reduction. Once this provisional reduction is obtained, a
buttress plate with screw placement at the apex of the frac-
ture is applied to prevent posterosuperior migration of the
fragment. Additional 1–2 screws are placed proximal to the
fracture after at least one lag screw is placed through the
distal aspect of the plate in order to obtain compression
across the fracture. The fibula may be addressed by either
medial or lateral retraction of the peroneals and fixation
achieved using a 1/3 tubular plate (Fig. 5.5). A stress view to
assess the syndesmosis is performed at this point. In this case
fixation of the posterior malleolus and fibula sufficiently sta-
bilized the syndesmosis and transsyndesmotic fixation was
not needed.
Options for fixing the posterior malleolus fragment include
a standard 1/3 tubular plate for large noncomminuted frag-
ments or a T-plate. Pre-contoured locked T-plates for the
posterior malleolus are now available although we have not
found them necessary in these cases. A displaced medial
Figure 5.5 Fixation of the posterior malleolus utilizing a 1/3rd tubu-

lar plate
malleolus fracture that requires fixation presents somewhat

of a challenge with the patient in a prone position; however
by internally rotating the entire lower extremity and utilizing
a sterile bump to elevate the ankle the medial malleolus can
be approached using a standard medial incision and the frac-
ture repaired in standard fashion.
Post-op Care
It is our practice to immobilize the ankle in a short leg splint
for 2 weeks postoperatively. We recommend a 6-week non-
weight-bearing protocol for patients; however we encourage
active and passive range of motion of the ankle as soon as

2 weeks at which point the splint is removed and removable
walking boot is placed. Patients are seen again at 6 weeks
where X-rays are obtained and upon signs of healing patients
are allowed to weight bear as tolerated without a brace.
Patients with a history of peripheral neuropathy are main-
tained non-weight bearing for a period of 12 weeks.
Outcomes
The patient followed the standard postoperative protocol as
delineated above and healed uneventfully (Fig. 5.6). Patient
was allowed to return to full activity including sports at
6 months.
• The posterior malleolus is an important component of the
distal tibia providing concentric articulation of the tibiota-
lar joint and attachment of the PITFL.
• Posterior malleolus fractures are heterogeneous in presen-
tation and may range from small posterior lip avulsions to
Figure 5.6 Radiographs demonstrating a healed trimalleolar fracture

large fragments comprising 50% or more of the articular

surface. As a result, their capacity to impact articular con-
gruity and syndesmotic stability is variable.
• Cross-sectional imaging of the ankle is useful in fully char-
acterizing the posterior malleolus fragment size and iden-
tifying comminution; however often it is not necessary and
X-ray images are sufficient. Fragments greater than or
equal to 25% of the articular surface are commonly indi-
cated for surgery, although this rule of thumb is not clearly
proven and should not serve as an absolute indication.
• It is important to consider other factors such as articular
congruity and ankle stability when deciding whether to fix
the PM fragment.
• Ultimately, the presence of a posterior malleolus fracture
appears to portend a worse clinical outcome and results of
surgical intervention are varied.
• A posterolateral approach in lateral or prone (if associ-
ated medial fracture) position is useful to approach the
back of the ankle.
• Fixation using a T-plate as buttress is recommended.
• The fibula is then fixed and finally the medial malleolus.
• Nonetheless, there is sufficient evidence to support plate
fixation of posterior malleolus to restore articular congru-
ity and syndesmotic stability which are likely the most
important predictors of a successful outcome.
References
1. De Vries JS, Wijgman AJ, Sierevelt IN, Schaap GR. Long-term
results of ankle fractures with a posterior malleolar fragment.
J Foot Ankle Surg. 2005;44(3):211–7.
2. White TO, Bugler KE. Ankle fractures. In: Court-Brown CM,
Heckman JD, MM MQ, et al., editors. Rockwood and Green’s
fractures in adults. Alphen aan den Rijn: Wolters Kluwer Health;
2014. p. 2542–91.
3. Berkes MB, Little MT, Lazaro LE. Articular congruity is associ-
ated with short-term clinical outcomes of operatively treated SER
IV ankle fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013;95(19):1769–75.
4. Gardner MJ, Brodsky A, Briggs SM, Nielson JH, Lorich

DG. Fixation of posterior malleolar fractures provides greater
syndesmotic stability. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2006;447:165–71.
5. Gardner MJ, Demetrakopoulos D, Briggs SM, et al. Malreduction
of the tibiofibular syndesmosis in ankle fractures. Foot Ankle
Int. 2006;27(10):788–92.
6. Irwin TA, Lien J, Kadakia AR. Posterior malleolus fracture.
J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013;21(1):32–40.
7. Abdelgawad AA, Kadous A, Kanlic E. Posterolateral approach
for treatment of posterior malleolus fracture of the ankle. Foot
Ankle Int. 2001;50:607–11.
8. Jowett AJ, Sheikh FT, Carare RO, et al. Location of the sural
nerve during posterolateral approach to the ankle. Foot Ankle
Int. 2010;31(10):880–3.
Chapter 6
Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture:
Screws Only for Posterior
Malleolus
Tonya L. Dixon, Brendan R. Southam,
and Michael T. Archdeacon
Case Presentation
The patient is a 55-year-old female with a past medical his-
tory of depression and psychiatric illness who presented to
the emergency department with right ankle pain after slip-
ping in the mud after an altercation.
Obtained radiographic images revealed a trimalleolar
ankle fracture dislocation (Figs. 6.1 and 6.2). The patient
underwent closed reduction in the emergency room under
conscious sedation and was admitted to the orthopedic
service for definitive management.
T.L. Dixon, M.D., M.P.H. (*)

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Foot
and Ankle Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital,
Waltham, MA, USA
B.R. Southam, M.D. • M.T. Archdeacon, M.D., M.S.E.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati
Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_6,
46 T.L. Dixon et al.
Figure 6.1 AP radiograph

shows a trimalleolar ankle
fracture
Treatment Considerations/Planning/
Tests Needed
Ankle fractures are a common orthopedic injury, but more

recent data suggest that reduction and fixation of the posterior
malleolus is more critical than previously thought [1–4].
Previous literature supported that a posterior malleolar frag-
ment of less than 25% of the articular surface would spontane-
ously reduce with the reduction and fixation of the lateral
Figure 6.2 Lateral

radiograph shows a
dislocated tibiotalar
joint with a sizeable
posterior malleolus
fracture fragment
malleolus, provided the posterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament

is intact [1–6]. Odak et al. recommended that the posterior mal-
leolus be fixed if it was associated with a fracture dislocation
and intraoperative evaluation demonstrated the tibiotalar joint
was not congruent or residual talar subluxation was present [3].
The decision to open reduce and fixate the posterior mal-
leolus may be made in the operating room; thus, the surgeon
should plan accordingly and have all possible equipment and
implants available. It may be beneficial to obtain a computed
tomography (CT) scan prior to surgical intervention to assess
for impaction, determine fragment size, and assess incarcer-
ated fragments that could inhibit reduction.
A contraindication to acute surgical fixation may be exten-
sive soft tissue injury including hemorrhagic fracture blisters
and compromised skin. A tenuous soft tissue envelope may
require provisional external fixation to allow for evaluation
and care of the soft tissues, as well as provide stability prior
to definitive surgical intervention.
Timing of Surgery
The risk and benefits of the procedure were discussed with the
patient, including nonoperative treatment. The patient elected
to have surgical intervention and this was scheduled for the
day following the injury given that her soft tissues were ame-
nable to surgical intervention. In the event that she had exces-
sive edema or fracture blisters, she would have remained in
her splint with early follow-up to reassess the soft tissue enve-
lope. If her ankle was unstable and difficult to keep reduced
in the splint, provisional external fixation would be utilized
until the soft tissues were amenable to surgical intervention.
Typically, this occurs with some resolution of the edema and
return of skin wrinkles around the foot and ankle.
I ntraoperative Tips and Tricks for

Reduction/Fixation
Position
Supine with a large bump or bean bag under the ipsilateral

buttock to allow posterior access to the ankle if needed.
Approach
Standard direct lateral approach over the fibula. Dissect soft

tissues down until you are directly on the bone. Care should
be taken to protect the superficial peroneal (nerve located
approx. 7 cm proximal to the tip of the fibula) if it is encoun-
tered during your dissection.
Fracture Reduction
The fibula is typically reduced with a pointed reduction clamp

(Weber) and fixed with a lag screw when possible. We prefer
a 2.7 mm lag screw (inserted A-P) when available, as the

smaller profile is less likely to interfere with plate fixation.
We then neutralize the construct with a lateral plate on the
fibula, usually with a minimum of three screws proximal to
the fracture, and three distal, when possible. In comminuted
fractures or osteoporotic bone, an anatomic precontoured
locking fibular plate can be helpful. This will vary depending
on the fracture type as well as the degree of comminution.
After the lateral malleolus has been stabilized, reduction of
the posterior malleolus is assessed using fluoroscopy. If the pos-
terior malleolus is anatomically reduced with reduction of the
fibula, it can be stabilized with percutaneous lag screws placed
anterior to posterior. If the reduction of the posterior malleolus
is not acceptable, a percutaneous reduction with a pointed
reduction or periarticular clamp should be attempted. This can
be facilitated by dorsiflexing the ankle and levering the talus
against the anterior joint surface; thus, applying a tensile reduc-
tion force on the posterior malleolar fragment. If a percutaneous
reduction is not successful, then an open approach is required.
At this point, we generally dissect on the posterior aspect of
the peroneal tendons with care taken to avoid detaching the
posterior tibiofibular ligament. With this exposure, the fracture
can be cleaned and reduced under direct visualization, again
with a pointed reduction or periarticular clamp. Once accept-
able reduction is achieved, the fragment is stabilized with
anterior to posterior lag screws. We prefer 3.5 mm screws as
there is adequate space for slightly larger screws. Alternatively,
4.0 mm cancellous screws can be utilized, and cannulated
screws are a reasonable option, particularly if provisional fixa-
tion with K-wires provides an appropriate trajectory for inter-
nal fixation. These screws are placed percutaneously with a
small incision on the anterior tibia and blunt dissection to bone
to avoid the neurovascular bundle and extensor tendons.
Stabilization of the posterior malleolus could be performed
with posterior-to-anterior screws which theoretically would be
biomechanically advantageous given the screw head would
provide compression rather than the screw thread. However,
in our experience this can be difficult in the supine or sloppy
lateral position, and care must be exercised to avoid damaging
the neurovascular bundle or Achilles tendon.
Figure 6.3 AP/Lateral/Oblique: Healed trimalleolar ankle fracture

status post open reduction and internal fixation
Once fixation of the posterior malleolus has been achieved,

attention is then directed to the medial malleolus. We prefer
a direct medial incision centered over the fracture; however,
a curvilinear incision toward the anterior-medial joint is very
reasonable as well. Dissection to the fracture is performed
with debridement of the hematoma and periosteum to facili-
tate reduction. The medial malleolar fragment is reduced
with a pointed reduction clamp or a dental pick and provi-
sionally stabilized with Kirschner wires. Fixation is completed
with one or two lag screws or with a medial buttress plate.
Final radiographic imaging confirms the reduction and the
stability of fixation (Fig. 6.3). This is followed by wound clo-
sure and splinting with a well-padded sugar-tong and poste-
rior splint in the neutral position.
Postoperative Plan
In general, the patient returns at 10–14 days for suture removal

and follow-up radiographs. The patient is transitioned into
a cast or removable boot while maintaining a non-weight
bearing gait for a period of 6–12 weeks, depending on fracture

stability and healing capacity. A diabetic patient should expect
to be non-weight bearing for a minimum of 12 weeks before
advancing their weight bearing status. Patients are seen in clinic
every 6 weeks for clinical and radiographic evaluation until
fracture healing occurs. Physical therapy is only prescribed for
individuals who demonstrate needed assistance with regaining
their strength and range of motion, or for more senior patients
who need assistance with gait training and balance.
Outcome
The index patient remained non-weight bearing for a total of

12 weeks and transitioned into a walking boot with progres-
sive weight bearing. The patient did not participate in formal
physical therapy, and returned to full activities without
restrictions. At 6 months after the initial injury, the patient
returned to the operating room for elective removal of symp-
tomatic, prominent hardware (Fig. 6.4). The patient had no
further sequelae.
Figure 6.4 AP/Lateral/Oblique: Status post removal of symptom-

atic medial hardware
• Timing of the surgical intervention is dictated by the soft
tissue envelope.
• Reduction of the posterior malleolus can be achieved with
closed, percutaneous or open reduction. A variety of
reduction tools, including bone hook and pointed reduc-
tion clamps, with ankle manipulation can help with ana-
tomic reduction.
• Fixation for the posterior malleolus is typically in the form
of percutaneous lag screws placed anterior to posterior.
• Nearly full functional recovery should be expected in the
majority of cases where an anatomic reduction is achieved.
References
1. Erdem MN, Erken HY, Burc H, Saka G, Korkmaz MF, Aydogan
M. Comparison of lag screw versus buttress plate fixation of pos-
terior malleolar fractures. Foot Ankle Int. 2014;35(10):1022–30.
doi:10.1177/1071100714540893.
2. Mingo-Robinet J, Lopez-Duran L, Galeote JE, Martinez-Cervell
C. Ankle fractures with posterior malleolar fragment: manage-
ment and results. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2011;50:141–5. doi:10.1053/j.
jfas.2010.12.013.
3. Odak S, Ahluwalia R, Unnikrishnan P, Hennessy M, Platt
S. Management of posterior malleolar fractures: a systematic review.
J Foot Ankle Surg. 2016;55:140–5. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2015.04.001.
4. O’Connor TJ, Mueller B, Ly TV, Jacobson AR, Nelson ER,
Cole PA. “A to P” screw versus posterolateral plate for poste-
rior malleolus fixation in trimalleolar ankle fractures. J Trauma.
2015;29:e151–6.
5. Talbot M, Steenblock TR, Cole PA. Surgical technique: postero-
lateral approach for open reduction and internal fixation of tri-
malleolar ankle fractures. Can J Surg. 2005;48(6):487–90.
6. Franzone JM, Vosseller JT. Posterolateral approach for open
reduction and internal fixation of a posterior malleolus frac-
ture—hinging on an intact PITFL to disimpact the tibial pla-
fond: a technical note. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34(8):1177–81.
doi:10.1177/1071100713481455.
Chapter 7
Maisonneuve Ankle Injuries
William Min
Case Presentation
This is a 37-year-old male patient without significant past
medical history who sustained a twisting injury to his left
lower extremity while playing soccer. He reports that he was
planting his leg while trying to pivot into another direction,
and felt pain about the ankle. He denies any other injuries.
He localizes the pain along the affected lower extremity; it is
centered over the ankle, but also is present diffusely about
the length of the lower leg. He reports that he is unable to
weight bear to the affected extremity.
On examination, the leg is diffusely swollen. There are
no open injuries. He has tenderness primarily over the
medial ankle and the anterolateral aspect of the ankle.
There is also diffuse tenderness along the length of the leg,
W. Min, M.D., M.S., M.B.A.

The Hughston Clinic at Gwinnett Medical Center,
Lawrenceville, GA, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_7,
54 W. Min
Figure 7.1 AP radiograph of the left ankle, revealing a displaced

medial malleolus fracture
primarily along the anterior and lateral lower leg.

Compartments are soft, and his neurovascular status is
intact. His range of motion is limited due to pain. He has a
positive squeeze test.
Imaging examinations of the ankle revealed a medial mal-
leolus fracture (Figs. 7.1 and 7.2). However, given the above
clinical examination, a tibia/fibula radiographic series was
obtained, which revealed a proximal oblique fibular fracture
(Figs. 7.3 and 7.4).
Chapter 7. Maisonneuve Ankle Injuries 55
Figure 7.2 Lateral radiograph of the left ankle, revealing a dis-

placed medial malleolus fracture
Given the above findings, the patient was diagnosed with

a Maissoneuve fracture. He was recommended for operative
stabilization of his injury, given the inherent instability of the
ankle joint and the risks of mortise instability. Risks and ben-
efits were discussed with the patient, and informed consent
was obtained.
56 W. Min
Figure 7.3 AP radiograph of the left tibia, revealing an associated

proximal fibular shaft fracture
Figure 7.4 Lateral radiograph of the left tibia, revealing an associ-

ated proximal fibular shaft fracture
Treatment
After the patient was anesthetized and placed supine on the
operative table, the leg was sterilely prepped. Contralateral
fluoroscopic imaging was obtained as a guide for syndesmotic
reduction.
Attention was paid first to the medial malleolus fracture.
A standard medial approach was generated, and the medial
malleolus was reduced under direct vision. Surgical s tabilization
was achieved with partially threaded cancellous lag screws
(Fig. 7.5). The wound was closed in standard fashion.
58 W. Min
Figure 7.5 Intraoperative fluoroscopic image, demonstrating stabi-

lization of the medial malleolus fracture
Next, attention was paid to the fibula. Because the fibula was
not significantly shortened and rotated (as compared to the
contralateral fluoroscopic imaging), the fibula fracture proxi-
mally did not undergo open reduction and internal fixation. A
collinear clamp was utilized to help obtain and maintain syn-
desmotic reduction. Adequacy of syndesmotic reduction was
Figure 7.6 Intraoperative fluoroscopic image, demonstrating stabi-

lization of the syndesmosis with two 3.5-mm tricortical screws
based on comparisons to the contralateral fluoroscopic imag-

ing, utilizing the position of the fibula along the tibial plafond
laterally as the primary gauge for reduction. With the reduction
held, two 3.5-mm cortex screws were applied in tricortical fash-
ion (Fig. 7.6). After the clamp was removed, fluoroscopic imag-
ing verified adequacy of implant position, maintenance of
acceptable reduction, and mortise stability (with Cotton stress
tests). The wound was closed in standard fashion.
60 W. Min
Rehabilitation
The patient was kept nonweight bearing for approximately
8 weeks. He was permitted to perform range of motion as
tolerated. He was allowed to progress with partial weight
bearing after 9–12 weeks. At his 12-week post-op mark, he
was permitted to be full weight bearing with a CAM walking
boot.
Discussions were held with the patient regarding the risks
and benefits of syndesmotic screw removal versus retention,
and the patient elected to retain the screws.
At the last follow-up at 9 months, the patient had returned
to activities and sports without limitations (Figs. 7.7 and 7.8).
Figure 7.7 AP radiograph of the left ankle at the patient’s 9-month

postoperative mark
Figure 7.8 Lateral radiograph of the left ankle at the patient’s

9-month postoperative mark
• Maissoneuve fractures are associated with extensive inter-
osseous disruption and syndesmotic instability. Because of
the higher position of the fibular fractures, these injuries
can be potentially missed on standard ankle radiographic
series. Therefore, in addition to obtaining a complete ankle
radiographic series, full-length tibia/fibula radiographs are
also warranted.
• The absence of fibular and medial malleolus fractures
does not rule out the presence of syndesmotic injuries.
Such variants include ligamentous deltoid disruptions
(which act similarly to a medial malleolus fracture) and/or
significant interosseous membrane disruption without a
62 W. Min
Figure 7.9 AP radiograph of a left ankle, revealing a subtle avulsion

fracture of the medial malleolus
concomitant fibular fracture (Figs. 7.9 and 7.10). Although

these variants are less common, these must be adequately
evaluated and excluded.
• Stress radiographs are necessary in order to determine the
stability of the ankle joint (Fig. 7.11) and, when coupled
with proximal tibia/fibula radiographs, help reveal the
diagnosis (Figs. 7.12 and 7.13).
Figure 7.10 Lateral radiograph of a left ankle, revealing a subtle

avulsion fracture of the medial malleolus
• Additionally, the patient may also respond to provocative

tests, such as the squeeze and external rotation stress tests.
The squeeze test is performed by applying a compressive
force between the fibula and the tibia superior to the mid-
point of the calf with the knee bent at 90°. A positive test
indicates syndesmotic injury. The external rotation test is
positive if pain is reproduced with external rotation of the
foot and ankle relative to the tibia. Caution should be used
64 W. Min
Figure 7.11 Stress view of the left ankle (from Figs. 7.9 and 7.10),
revealing medial clear space widening. Because of the absence of a
“visualized” fibular fracture, the physician must assume the pres-
ence of a fibular fracture and/or syndesmotic instability as contribu-
tory elements to the patient’s ankle instability
to stabilize the tibia but not the fibula during this test to
avoid a false-negative result [1].
• Treatment for Maissoneuve fractures requires anatomic
reduction of the syndesmosis and stabilization of the ankle
mortise; this is accomplished through reduction of the
fracture(s) and syndesmosis. Stabilization must be accom-
plished along the medial column (medial malleolus or
Figure 7.12 AP radiograph of the left tibia (from Figs. 7.9 and 7.10),
confirming the presence of a proximal fibular fracture
deltoid ligament disruption) and the lateral column (syn-

desmosis and fibula). To accomplish reduction of the syn-
desmosis in the setting of a high fibular fracture, open
reduction of the fibular fracture to correct length and rota-
tion can result in improved anatomic reduction of the
syndesmosis [2]. Stabilization of the syndesmosis can be
accomplished with screws of varying configurations or
suture techniques, as controversy exists as to the optimal
methodology and construct for stabilization.
• Reduction and fixation of the medial malleolus is accom-
plished through standard techniques. In cases of deltoid
ligament disruption, primary repair may be warranted when
the mortise does not adequately reduce despite adequacy of
fibular reduction. In such instances, suspected interposition
of capsular tissues or hematoma may block reduction [3].
66 W. Min
Figure 7.13 Lateral radiograph of the left tibia (from Figs. 7.9 and
7.10), confirming the presence of a proximal fibular fracture
• For postoperative rehabilitation, most surgeons recom-

mend a period of nonweight bearing for a minimum of
6 weeks to prevent fixation failure, while others have rec-
ommended 12 weeks of nonweight bearing to allow for
further ligamentous healing [4]. Furthermore, the role of
routine syndesmotic hardware removal also remains con-
troversial [5, 6]. The author does not recommend routine
removal of the screws and keeps these patients nonweight
bearing for 8 weeks.
References
1. Hunt KJ, Phisitkul P, Pirolo J, Amendola A. High ankle sprains
and syndesmotic injuries in athletes. J Am Acad Orthop Surg.
2015;23(11):661–73.
2. Pelton K, Thordarson DB, Barnwell J. Open versus closed treat-
ment of the fibula in Maissoneuve injuries. Foot Ankle Int.
2010;31(7):604–8.
3. Stufkens SA, van den Bekerom MP, Knupp M, Hintermann B,
van Dijk CN. The diagnosis and treatment of deltoid ligament
lesions in supination-external rotation ankle fractures: a review.
Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr. 2012;7(2):73–8.
4. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society: Treatment of
syndesmosis disruptions. http://www.aofas.org/education/orthopae-
dicarticles/treatment- of-syndesmosis-disruptions.pdf. Accessed 2
Sep 2015.
5. Schepers T, van Zuuren WJ, van den Bekerom MP, Vogels LM,
van Lieshout EM. The management of acute distal tibio-fibular
syndesmotic injuries: results of a nationwide survey. Injury.
2012;43(10):1718–23.
6. Hamid N, Loeffler BJ, Braddy W, Kellam JF, Cohen BE, Bosse
MJ. Outcome after fixation of ankle fractures with an injury to
the syndesmosis: the effect of the syndesmosis screw. J Bone Joint
Surg Br. 2009;91(8):1069–73.
Chapter 8
Maisonneuve Fractures:
Syndesmotic Fixation
Using Plate
Natalie R. Danna and Nirmal C. Tejwani
Case Presentation
The patient is a 25-year-old male who presents with right
ankle and leg pain after an assault. He reports that his leg was
twisted and stomped on by the perpetrators. He had immedi-
ate pain and inability to weight bear.
Examination revealed diffuse swelling over the ankle. He
was tender to palpation over the lateral malleolus and proxi-
mal fibula. He was also tender over the posterior malleolus
but not over the remainder of the tibia.
Injury Films
Full-length films of the tibia (AP and lateral) and ankle (AP,
lateral, mortise) were obtained. They demonstrated an
N.R. Danna, M.D. • N.C. Tejwani, M.D. (*)

Department of Orthopedics, NYU Langone Medical Center,
New York, NY, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_8,
70 N.R. Danna and N.C. Tejwani
Figure 8.1 AP, mortise, and lateral radiographs of the injury
oblique fracture of the proximal fibula and widening of the

ankle mortise (Fig. 8.1).
iagnostic Testing and Treatment

D
Considerations
Medial clear space widening greater than 5 mm indicates a

tear of the deltoid ligament with accompanying disruption of
the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, which should be surgically
stabilized. An external rotation stress radiograph was per-
formed to assess syndesmotic integrity, and frank widening of
the ankle mortise was observed (Fig. 8.2).
Chapter 8. Maisonneuve Fractures: Syndesmotic Fixation 71
Figure 8.2
External
rotation stress
view demon-
strates widen-
ing of the
syndesmosis
and medial
clear space
At initial evaluation, the patient was placed into a well-pad-

ded, short-leg AO splint, with radiographic confirmation of
reduction of the ankle mortise. He was instructed to remain
nonweightbearing on that extremity and maintain elevation
of the limb as much as possible. Surgery was scheduled few
days after injury (7 days) to allow decrease of swelling and
improvement of the condition of the soft tissues.
Surgical Tact
Surgical intervention for Maisonneuve injuries is focused on
reduction and fixation of the syndesmosis [1, 2]. This is gener-
ally accomplished with one or two 3.5 mm tri- or quadri-cor-
tical screws. The distal screw should be placed approximately
2 cm proximal to the plafond, and the second screw should be
placed 1–2 cm proximal to that. While there is debate in the
literature about the number and size of screws as well as
whether they should extend to the fourth cortex [3], the
authors prefer a minimum of two screws of 3.5 mm diameter
(tri- or quadri-cortical) for these syndesmotic injuries.
A short plate may be used to disperse the forces exerted
by the screws and help with centralizing the screws on the
fibula.
The proximal shaft fibula fracture does not generally
require fixation unless significantly shortened and hindering
syndesmosis reduction [1, 2, 4]. If needed, a small incision
may be made over the fibula fracture site and length regained
using a clamp before syndesmosis fixation.
echnique of Open Reduction and Internal

T
Fixation
To accommodate the plate, an incision of approximately 3 cm
was made over the fibula, and a lateral approach was made.
The three-hole one-third tubular plate was centered on the
fibula, and the foot was dorsiflexed. Using a large pointed
reduction clamp with one tine on the fibula through the mid-
dle hole of the plate and the other tine medially on the tibia,
the syndesmosis was reduced. This reduction was confirmed
radiographically, as seen by normal medial and syndesmosis
clear spaces. All four cortices were drilled with a 2.5 mm drill,
and two tricortical 3.5 mm screws were placed (Fig. 8.3).
Figure 8.3 AP, mortise, and lateral intraoperative radiographs dem-

onstrating fixation
Fluoroscopy was used to confirm reduction of the syndes-

mosis, as well as the proximal fibula fracture. It is important
to check that the fibula length has been regained; on the
mortise view, the “dime” sign is useful [4].
The patient was placed in a short leg splint for 2 weeks
after surgery.
Postoperative Plan
The splint was removed at 2 weeks and replaced with a cam
boot, with instructions for the patient to start ankle range of
motion exercises. Follow-up X-rays are shown in Fig. 8.4. The
patient was kept nonweightbearing for a period of 12 weeks.
After this period, he was also referred to physical therapy.
The patient was informed of the risk of screw breakage, but
we do not perform routine removal of tricortical screws,
though the patient is informed of the likelihood of screw
loosening or breakage as will be noted on the follow-up
radiographs.
Figure 8.4 AP, mortise, and lateral radiographs at follow-up visit
Outcomes
Lambers et al. reported on radiographic and functional out-
comes after operative fixation of syndesmotic injuries [5]. At
an average of 21 years postoperatively, 49% of patients had
“substantial” radiographic arthritis [5]. However, the radio-
graphic findings were not a significant predictor of functional
outcome: 92% of patients in the series had good or excellent
AOFAS scores. The authors found that patient-reported pain
was the most significant predictor of outcome at follow-up [5].
At an average of 6 years postoperatively, Babis et al. found
ankle range of motion equivalent to the contralateral side in
79% of their patients [6].
Studies of the syndesmosis after operative fixation by
Gennis et al. have shown that there is only mild widening
(less than 0.5 mm) of the tibiofibular clear space after initia-
tion of weightbearing [7]. The ankle mortise remains congru-
ent, however, whether the syndesmotic screws remain intact,
break, or are removed [7].
• Goal of treatment: congruent and reduced ankle mortise
and syndesmosis.
• High fibula fracture rarely requires internal fixation.
• Syndesmotic screws may engage 3 or 4 cortices and may be

1 or 2 in number.
• Patients should remain nonweightbearing for 6–12 weeks
after internal fixation based on injury pattern, patient size,
and fixation used. (The author prefers two screws if only
syndesmosis fixation done.)
• Return of near normal pre-injury function is expected,
despite radiographic evidence of posttraumatic arthritis.
References
1. Duchesneau S, Fallat LM. The Maisonneuve fracture. J Foot
Ankle Surg. 1995;34(5):422–8.
2. Kalyani BS, Roberts CS, Giannoudis PV. The Maisonneuve injury:
a comprehensive review. Orthopedics. 2010;33(3):196–7.
3. Wikerøy AK, Høiness PR, Andreassen GS, Hellund JC, Madsen
JE. No difference in functional and radiographic results 8.4 years
after quadricortical compared with tricortical syndesmosis fixa-
tion in ankle fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2010;24(1):17–23.
4. White TO, Bugler KE. Ankle fractures. In: Court-Brown C, Heckman
JD, et al., editors. Rockwood and Green’s: fractures in adults. 8th ed.
Philadelphia: Orthopaedic Publications; 2015. p. 2542–86.
5. Lambers KT, van den Bekerom MP, Doornberg JN, Stufkens SA,
van Dijk CN, Kloen P. Long-term outcome of pronation-external
rotation ankle fractures treated with syndesmotic screws only.
J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013;95(17):e1221–7.
6. Babis GC, Papagelopoulos PJ, Tsarouchas J, Zoubos AB, Korres
DS, Nikiforidis P. Operative treatment for Maisonneuve fracture
of the proximal fibula. Orthopedics. 2000;23(7):687–90.
7. Gennis E, Koenig S, Rodericks D, Otlans P, Tornetta P 3rd. The
fate of the fixed syndesmosis over time. Foot Ankle Int.
2015;36(10):1202–8.
Chapter 9
Calcaneus Fracture:
Extended Lateral
Approach
Neil Sardesai, Mark Gage, and Marcus Sciadini
Case
The patient is a 44-year-old male who sustained a closed

injury to his left hindfoot after a fall from height.
On physical examination, his left hindfoot was grossly
swollen, ecchymotic, with notable heel widening. He was dif-
fusely tender to palpation along the medial and lateral
aspects of his heel. No neurovascular deficits were noted.
Radiographs (Fig. 9.1a, b) demonstrate a right calcaneus frac-
ture with intra-articular extension into the posterior facet.
The left lower extremity was immobilized in a bulky cot-
ton short-leg splint with strict elevation precautions to assist
with edema control. A CT scan was obtained to further evalu-
ate the injury. This revealed two displaced fracture lines
N. Sardesai, M.D. • M. Gage, M.D. • M. Sciadini, M.D. (*)

Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center,
Baltimore, MD, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_9,
78 N. Sardesai et al.
extending into the posterior facet (Sanders type 3 AC [1, 2])
with lateral wall diastasis and calcaneal tuberosity varus
angulation (Fig. 9.2a–c).
The patient was indicated for surgical treatment and
underwent open reduction and internal fixation using an
extended lateral approach. Postoperatively, the patient
remained non-weightbearing for a total of 8 weeks. Sutures
were removed at 2 weeks during which time the patient was
transitioned from a splint to a walking boot to allow early
ankle and subtalar range of motion.
a b
Figure 9.1 Injury lateral (a) and Harris heel (b) views of the hindfoot
a b c
Figure 9.2 CT scan images including illustrative sagittal (a), coronal

(b), and axial (c) reconstructions
Chapter 9. Calcaneus Fracture: Extended Lateral Approach 79
Background
The calcaneus is the most commonly fractured tarsal bone

and can be very challenging to treat. Injury is usually the
result of direct axial loading to the heel most commonly due
to falls from height or motor vehicle collisions. Spine frac-
tures or contralateral calcaneus fractures can occur in 10–15%
of patients. Functionally, the calcaneus is important in sup-
port of the entirety of body weight with ambulation, hindfoot
range of motion through the subtalar joint, and appropriate
force transmission from the hindfoot to the midfoot during
normal gait.
Imaging
Obtaining appropriate imaging is essential to characterizing
the fracture pattern and developing a plan for reduction and
fixation. Basic imaging should include AP, lateral, and Harris
axial heel view radiographs as well as computed tomography
(CT scans). One should evaluate the obtained imaging for the
following characteristics: posterior facet joint depression,
coronal malalignment and diastasis, the extent of calcaneal
tuberosity shortening and angulation as well as the presence
and extent of intra-articular involvement. Intraoperatively,
contralateral lateral and Harris view fluoroscopic images are
helpful for comparative purposes when assessing reduction.
Indications
All displaced calcaneus fractures are amenable to open reduc-
tion and internal fixation. Contraindications to surgical treat-
ment may include smokers who are unwilling to abstain from
smoking, vasculopathic patients, uncontrolled diabetic patients,
and elderly, low-demand patients. Nondisplaced or minimally
displaced fractures may also be managed nonoperatively [3].
Relative indications for surgery include poor heel position and

shape, displaced articular involvement, no medical contraindi-
cations to operative care, open fractures, compliant patients
younger than 60 years of age, and nonsmokers [4].
Surgical fixation aims to reduce the fractured calcaneus to
its normal anatomy, restore the critical angle of Gissane as
well as Bohler’s angle, and recreate the congruity of the sub-
talar joint [3]. Anatomic reduction of the articular surface and
correction of the typical deformities affecting the tuberosity
(varus angulation, shortening, flattening, and widening) are
the surgical goals with the goal of minimizing the long-term
risk of symptomatic subtalar arthritis and facilitating normal
shoe wear and hindfoot mechanics [5]. Rigid internal fixation
allows for early motion of the ankle and subtalar joints.
Soft Tissue Management

Most calcaneal fractures are associated with significant soft
tissue injury often the result of high energy trauma. In addi-
tion to the osseous injury, the soft tissues are significantly
affected resulting in a tender, ecchymotic, swollen, and
deformed heel [5]. Oftentimes fracture blisters will develop
around the hindfoot. Some authors suggest leaving these
closed for as long as possible. Our approach is to unroof the
blisters early and begin dressing changes to facilitate epithe-
lial repair and potentially shorten the time course to defini-
tive surgery. If still present at the time of definitive fixation,
blisters should be unroofed prior to surgical prep to minimize
risk of inoculating the surgical wound with bacterial species
which frequently colonize the blister fluid.
Vascular Supply
The blood supply to the calcaneus and its overlying soft tissue
may predispose it to avascular necrosis and wound healing
complications. The calcaneus receives its blood supply from
medial and lateral calcaneal arteries [6].
Disruption of the lateral blood supply may result from

both the inciting trauma or possibly in during the surgery.
Interruption of this blood supply may cause a significant
nutrient deficiency in the lateral half of the calcaneus. The
remaining blood supply therefore is reliant on the medial
penetrating vascularization [6].
Approach
Setup
The patient should be placed in a lateral decubitus position

with the operative calcaneus up. Our preference is to use a
radiolucent extension to the end of a standard operating
room table to allow for more extensive fluoroscopic access.
The patient should be brought to the end of the bed so that
the foot can be accessed from both sides as well as the end of
the Table. A nonsterile tourniquet should be placed above the
knee on the operative extremity. The fluoroscopic imager
should be positioned orthogonally to the axis of the body.
Folded blankets are stacked around and on top of the nonop-
erative extremity as depicted (Fig. 9.3) to create a flat surface
on which to operate.
Landmarks and Incision
After the leg has been prepped and draped, the extensile
lateral approach is marked on the skin. The inferior limb of
the incision is made performed just anterior to the lateral
edge of the Achilles tendon to best preserve the lateral calca-
neal artery which is responsible for the majority of the supply
to the corner of the soft tissue flap. The inferior limb of the
incision is carried at the transition point of the glabrous skin
and is carried to the base of the fifth metatarsal. Once the
skin and subcutaneous tissue is incised, the soft tissue enve-
lope is sharply elevated as a full-thickness flap including
Figure 9.3 Lateral positioning of patient on regular OR table dem-

onstrating use of blankets to support lower extremity and provide
flat operating surface
release of the calcaneofibular ligament (Fig. 9.4). This is criti-

cal to preserving the flap’s viability and maximizing surgical
site healing. The flap is elevated in a subperiosteal fashion
proximally to the subtalar joint and anteriorly to expose the
calcaneocuboid joint. The peroneal tendons are also elevated
from the peroneal tubercle and reflected dorsally to maxi-
mize exposure of the lateral calcaneus and subtalar joint.
Kirschner wires are placed into the distal fibula, cuboid, talus,
and cuneiforms to serve as retractors and minimize the risk
of excessive retraction of the lateral heel flap. Grasping of the
skin edges with forceps or use of self-retaining retractors
Figure 9.4 Intraoperative clinical photo showing full-thickness soft

tissue flap elevated and K-wires providing retraction
should be minimized during flap elevation and skin hooks are

a preferred mode of retraction to minimize surgical trauma to
the soft tissues.
Caution
The lateral extensile approach to the calcaneus has been

associated with a high soft tissue complication and infection
rate, in some instances as high as 25% [1, 3].
Reduction Maneuver
The use of the lateral approach allows excellent exposure to

the entire calcaneus. This case illustrates a classic fracture
pattern where the posterior facet articular surface is frac-
tured into multiple segments and depressed plantarly. The
calcaneal tuberosity becomes angulated into a hindfoot varus
position. The lateral wall of the tuberosity is typically dis-
placed laterally and mobilized during the operation to allow
access to the articular fragments (Fig. 9.5). Sequence of sur-

gery varies depending upon surgeon preference, fracture pat-
tern, and displacement. Although the medial portion of the
posterior facet articular surface is often assumed to remain in
a reduced position, elevation of this fragment against the
inferior surface of the talus is often necessary to provide a
stable reference for reduction of the impacted lateral articu-
lar fragments. These lateral fragments may need to be tempo-
rarily mobilized further laterally while the tuberosity
reduction is performed since shortening of the tuberosity
may block the ability to elevate the lateral articular frag-
ments into an anatomically reduced position. An osteotome
can be placed across the obliquity of this primary fracture
line beneath the posterior facet and used to lever the calca-
neal tuberosity out of varus angulation, bring the tuberosity
out to appropriate length, and restore height. This maneuver
may be aided by placement of a 5.0 mm Schanz pin into the
tuberosity (Figs. 9.6 and 9.7). A separate V-shaped cortical
fragment defining the angle of Gissane is often present
between the posterior facet and anterior process and reduc-
tion of this fragment often facilitates restoration of the
Figure 9.5 Intraoperative clinical photo showing mobilization of

lateral wall fragment to reveal intra-articular impaction of the lat-
eral articular surface of the subtalar joint and medial articular “con-
stant fragment”
Figure 9.6 Intraoperative lateral fluoroscopic image demonstrating

reduction of articular surface with mini-fragment lag-screw fixation
and restoration of calcaneal tuberosity height and length
Figure 9.7 Intraoperative Harris heel fluoroscopic image demon-

strating correction of varus malalignment of calcaneal tuberosity
relationship between these structures and may precede or

follow elevation of and anatomic reduction of the depressed
lateral articular fragments. Multiple small-diameter smooth
K-wires provide provisional fixation of the multiple reduced
fracture fragments (Figs. 9.6 and 9.8) while lateral and Harris
heel fluoroscopic imaging confirms the reduction. Once
reduction is confirmed, wires can be replaced with mini-
fragment screws and a laterally based plate to buttress the
lateral cortex and provide fixed-angle raft screw support of
the articular surface (Fig. 9.9).
Figure 9.8 Intraoperative photo demonstrating reduced fracture

with mini-fragment lag-screw and provisional K-wire fixation
Figure 9.9 Final fixation construct consisting of precontoured lock-

ing calcaneal plate
Closure
Closure consists of interrupted 3-0 vicryl sutures in the dermis.

Placement of all dermal sutures prior to knot-tying has been
advocated, but we prefer to tie each knot as the suture is
placed. We do recommend starting closure at the corner and
working outward (distally and proximally) to avoid translating
skin edges inadvertently. To minimize surgical trauma to the
flap, the skin is then reapproximated with 3-0 nylon sutures
applied in an Allgower-Donati fashion (Fig. 9.10). Final fluoro-
scopic images confirm the reduction (Fig. 9.11a, b).
Figure 9.10 Final wound closure over drain with 3-0 nylon sutures
placed using Allgower-Donati technique
a b
Figure 9.11 Final postoperative lateral (a) and Harris heel (b) fluo-
roscopic views
• Hindfoot varus can be difficult to correct since the surgical
approach is laterally based. A 5.0 mm Schanz pin placed in
the postero-superior aspect of the calcaneal tuberosity
allows for multiplanar manipulation of this fragment to
assist in restoration of length, height, and valgus alignment.
• Kirschner wires allow for maintenance of provisional
reduction. These wires may be applied lateral to medial or
may be placed percutaneously from the tuberosity into the
posterior facet to maintain proper height.
• A lamina spreader can be a useful tool to restore tuberos-
ity length and height and posterior facet height during
surgical reduction.
• Bone grafting is rarely indicated in calcaneus surgery.
Although large cancellous bone voids may frequently be
present between the posterior facet and posterior tuberos-
ity secondary to comminution or impaction, these usually
heal uneventfully without grafting in the calcaneus. When
necessary, cancellous allograft chips may be used.
• Bone graft substitutes are usually not necessary nor worth
the additional cost. Tri-cortical allograft may also be used
to augment the axial stability in rare cases.
References
1. Bruce J. Surgical versus conservative interventions for displaced
intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2012;1:CD008628. doi:10.1002/14651858.
2. Zuckerman JD, Koval KJ. Handbook of fractures (book). J Bone
Joint Surg Am. 2002;84-A(12):2324.
3. Buckley R, Tough S, McCormack R, et al. Operative compared
with nonoperative treatment of displaced intra-articular calca-
neal fractures: a prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter
trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2002;84-A(10):1733–44.
4. Howard JL, Buckley R, McCormack R, et al. Complications fol-
lowing management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal frac-
tures: a prospective randomized trial comparing open reduction

internal fixation with nonoperative management. J Orthop
Trauma. 2003;17(4):241–9.
5. Sanders R. Displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus.
J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2000;82(2):225–50.
6. Andermahr J, Helling HJ, Rehm KE, Koebke Z. The vasculariza-
tion of the os calcaneum and the clinical consequences. Clin
Orthop. 1999;363:212–8.
Chapter 10
Operative Treatment
of Calcaneus Fractures
Through a Sinus Tarsi
Approach
Abhishek Ganta and Philipp Leucht
Case Presentation
A 19-year-old male, intoxicated on LSD, with no significant past
medical history was found after a fall from a fire escape. He was
brought to the trauma bay by ambulance with bilateral upper
and lower extremity pain as well as facial pain. His neurovascu-
lar exam was intact (motor and sensation) in all extremities.
Orthopedic injuries included a left open olecranon fracture,
right radial styloid fracture, bilateral patella fractures, and left
calcaneus fracture. Radiographs of the calcaneus showed sig-
nificant joint depression and impaction of the posterior facet.
Injury Films
Lateral radiographs of the heel demonstrated a joint depres-
sion type calcaneus fracture with significant flattening of
Böhler’s angle to 9°. A Harris heel view revealed mild varus
A. Ganta, M.D. • P. Leucht, M.D. (*)

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Joint Diseases,
New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_10,
92 A. Ganta and P. Leucht
deformity of the tuberosity fragment and heel widening. CT

scans in the sagittal and 30-degree semi-coronal plane further
delineated the posterior facet involvement with lateral wall
blow-out, depression of the lateral aspect of the posterior
facet, and intra-articular split in the sagittal plane, indicating
a Sanders 3AB fracture (Fig. 10.1a–d).
Figure 10.1 Lateral radiograph (a), 30-degree semi-coronal (b),

sagittal (c), and axial (d) CT showing an intra-articular joint depres-
sion type calcaneus fracture. There is flattening of the Böhler’s angle
to 9° and joint depression with impaction on the lateral radiograph
(a). The 30-degree semi-coronal plane view (b) allows for the
Sander’s Classification as well as further defining the involvement of
the posterior facet. The axial CT cut shows medial cortex overlap
indicating varus alignment of the calcaneus (c). The sagittal cut dem-
onstrates posterior facet depression (d)
Chapter 10. Operative Treatment of Calcaneus 93

The decision was made together with the patient to address
his calcaneus fracture with open reduction internal fixation in
an attempt to restore articular congruency and thus decrease
the potential risk for post-traumatic arthritis of the subtalar
joint. Historically, patients with similar calcaneus fractures
were instructed to elevate their injured extremity for up to
3 weeks until soft tissue swelling had subsided and an exten-
sile L-shaped approach could be performed safely without
risking postoperative wound complications. Complication
rates with the extensile approach reached from 1.5% in expe-
rienced hands to 30% in the general literature [1].
Recently, the limited incision sinus tarsi approach has
gained traction and is now commonly used at our institution
for the treatment of calcaneus fractures. Due to the shorter
incision, and more proximal location of the incision, wound
complications are less common [2]. However, because of the
smaller surgical window, visualization is more difficult, often
relying on indirect reduction techniques [3]. These indirect
reduction maneuvers are easily performed within the first
7–10 days, after which fracture fragments become “sticky”
and anatomic reduction is often more difficult to obtain [4].
In this case scenario, the soft tissue swelling was minimal and
there was no blistering; therefore the patient was taken to the
operating room on day seven after his injury.
Surgical Tact
Position
Lateral decubitus position with a beanbag on a radiolucent

operating room table with the foot at the very distal aspect of
the table. The operative leg is positioned on a bone foam
positioner. Alternatively, a towel ramp can be built, creating
a flat surface to rest the operative leg. The fluoroscopy unit is
brought in obliquely from the contralateral side (Fig. 10.2a).
A thigh tourniquet is placed.
a b
c d
e f
Figure 10.2 Intraoperative setup demonstrates lateral decubitus

positioning with the operative leg on a radiolucent bone foam posi-
tioner (a). Note that this allows for the fluoroscopy unit to be
brought in from the contralateral side to help obtain a Harris heel
view. A 4–6 cm incision is made over the sinus tarsi (b) using the
inferior aspect of the fibula and the fourth metatarsal base as bony
landmarks. Intraoperative image (c) and fluoroscopy (d) show the
use of a periosteal elevator underneath the posterior facet to achieve
reduction along with the use of a percutaneous Schanz pin in the
tuberosity to reduce the varus deformity. Further intraoperative fluo-
roscopic views showing plate placement on the lateral aspect of the
calcaneus 5 mm distal to the posterior facet joint line (e, f)
Approach
After exsanguination of the limb, a 4–6 cm incision is made

over the sinus tarsi (Fig. 10.2b). Bony landmarks include the
inferior aspect of the fibula and the fourth metatarsal base. If
swelling or body habitus precludes palpation of bony promi-
nence, a K-wire may be placed on the skin coursing from the
inferior aspect of the fibula in line with the fourth metatarsal
and position can be verified with fluoroscopy. Careful soft
tissue dissection is carried down to the peroneal tendons and
extensor digitorum brevis; very rarely will branches of the
sural nerve come into the field [5–7]. The retinaculum over
the peroneal tendons is incised and the tendons are retracted
carefully out of the field, keeping the tendon sheath intact.
The fascia and muscle of the extensor digitorum brevis are
also incised and elevated distally. This allows access to the
capsular structures, which are subsequently excised to visual-
ize the articular surface of the posterior facet and the angle
of Gissane.
Fracture Reduction Techniques and Fixation

After exposure of the subtalar joint, the amount of fracture
comminution and lateral wall involvement was appreciated.
Because the approach does not allow exposure of the tuber-
osity, a Steinmann pin was percutaneously placed into the
posterior tuberosity and used to distract and reduce the
tuberosity out of varus and restore length [5–7].
A number of reduction techniques can be performed to
restore the articular surface of the posterior facet; in this case,
a periosteal elevator was placed underneath the posterior
facet and the facet fragment was elevated together with its
subchondral bone and attached cancellous bone (Fig. 10.2c, d).
Once anatomic reduction of the posterior facet was achieved
and confirmed radiographically, provisional fixation was
maintained with K-wires.
After posterior facet and tuberosity reduction, a large

bone void was noted underneath the posterior facet.
Tricalcium phosphate cement was injected into the void, fol-
lowed by closure of the lateral wall fragment.
A sinus tarsi plate with percutaneous jig was then placed
on the lateral aspect of the calcaneus about 5 mm distal to the
posterior facet joint line (Fig. 10.2e, f). Cortical lag screws by
technique were used to compress the posterior facet fracture,
followed by placement of cortical screws into the tuberosity
and anterior process. In this young patient with good bone
quality, cortical screws were sufficient to maintain reduction;
however, in elderly patients or patients with severe comminu-
tion, locking screws may be utilized to achieve adequate fixa-
tion [8].
After reduction is confirmed on biplanar fluoroscopy, the
tourniquet was deflated and meticulous hemostasis was
obtained and the wound was copiously irrigated prior to clo-
sure. Placement of a drain is usually not necessary.
Postoperative Plan
A short leg plaster splint was placed and the patient was
instructed to be non-weight bearing on the left lower extrem-
ity. Antibiotics were given for a total of 24 h postoperatively.
Low molecular weight heparin was continued in the periop-
erative period for 4 weeks.
The patient was made non-weight bearing for a total of
6 weeks. Sutures were removed at 2 weeks postoperatively
and the patient was transitioned into a fracture boot at this
time point. Commonly, patients will be non-weight bearing
for 3 months after ORIF of a calcaneus fracture; however in
this case, tricalcium phosphate cement was used to augment
the posterior facet fragment fixation; therefore the patient
was allowed to begin weight bearing after 6 weeks [9]. After
2 weeks in the splint, the patient was instructed to perform
daily ankle range of motion exercises out of the fracture
boot.
Outcome
Figure 10.3a and b demonstrates immediate postoperative
radiographs. The patient has been followed in the office and
his 6-month postoperative radiograph is depicted in Fig. 10.4.
They demonstrate maintenance of the posterior facet reduc-
tion, fracture union, and intact implants. The patient started
weight bearing as tolerated after 6 weeks of non-weight bear-
ing and has been ambulating without pain.
Figure 10.3 Immediate postoperative lateral (a) and Harris heel

view (b) demonstrate anatomic heel alignment as well as restoration
of the posterior articular facet and Böhler’s angle
Figure 10.4 Six-month postoperative lateral radiograph demon-

strates maintenance of the posterior facet articular reduction and
fracture union
• The calcaneus is the most commonly fractured tarsal bone
and accounts for 1–2% of all fractures. More than 70% of
all calcaneus fractures will involve the subtalar joint [10].
• Several studies have been conducted that assess both the
postoperative reduction and soft tissue complications from
each approach. In patients treated with the sinus tarsi
approach, there is no significant difference in radiological
and clinical outcomes, with a significantly decreased wound
complication rate in the sinus tarsi group [2, 5, 6, 11].
• Given that the posterior tuberosity is not visualized with
this approach, percutaneous reduction aids (Steinmann
pins) are required to manipulate the tuberosity out of
varus and to restore length [2, 6].
• Prior to plate placement one must be cognizant to clear off
the lateral wall; however, care must be taken to avoid
injury to the sural nerve as well as the peroneal tendons,
which can be dislocated [7].
• In order to assess the posterior facet, the capsule as well as
the calcaneofibular ligament must be cleared [2, 5–7].
• In highly comminuted fractures such as Sanders type IV
that are not amenable to operative fixation, the limited
sinus tarsi approach can be used to perform a subtalar
arthrodesis [7, 12].
References
1. Benirschke SK, Kramer PA. Wound healing complications in
closed and open calcaneal fractures. J Orthop Trauma.
2004;18:1–6.
2. Weber M, Lehmann O, Sagesser D, et al. Limited open reduction
and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular fractures of the
calcaneum. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2008;90:1608–16.
3. Jones CP, Cohen BE. Sinus tarsi approach for calcaneal frac-
tures. Tech Foot Ankle Surg. 2013;12:180–3.
4. Hsu AR, Anderson RB, Cohen BE. Advances in surgical man-
agement of intra-articular calcaneus fractures. JAAOS. 2015;23:
399–407.
5. Kline AJ, Anderson RB, Davis WH, Jones CP, Cohen

BE. Minimally invasive technique versus an extensile lateral
approach for intra-articular calcaneus fractures. Foot Ankle Int.
2013;34(12):1689–94.
6. Kikuchi C, Charlton TP, Thordarson DB. Limited sinus tarsi
approach for intra-articular calcaneus fractures. Foot Ankle Int.
2013;34(12):1689–94.
7. Gonzalez TA, Kwon JY. Sinus tarsi approach for calcaneus frac-
tures. Oper Tech Orthop. 2015;23:235–41.
8. Illert T, Rammelt S, Drewes T, Grass R, Zwipp H. Stability of
locking and non-locking plates in osteoporotic calcaneal fracture
model. Foot Ankle Int. 2011;32(3):307–13.
9. Elsner A, Jubel A, Prokop A, Koebke J, Rehm KE, Adermahr
J. Augmentation of intraarticular calcaneal fractures with inject-
able calcium phosphate cement: densitometry, histology, and
functional outcome of 18 patients. J Foot Ankle Surg.
2005;44(5):390–5.
10. Sanders R. Displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus.
J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2000;82:225–50.
11. Yoe JH, Cho JH, Lee KB. Comparison of two surgical approaches
for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: sinus tarsi versus
extensile lateral approach. BMC Musculoskelet Disord.
2015;16:63.
12. Spagnolo R, Bonalumi M, Pace F, Capitani D. Calcaneus frac-
tures, results of the sinus tarsi approach: 4 years of experience.
Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2010;20:37.
Chapter 11
Tongue-Type Calcaneus
Fractures
Philip Wolinsky and Chad Beck
Case Presentation
History/Physical Exam
A healthy, active, 25-year-old male with no significant medical

issues presented to our emergency department (ED) complain-
ing of left foot pain and an inability to bear weight on the
involved limb following a fall off of a second-story balcony. On
physical exam he had pain to palpation over his hind foot, mod-
erate swelling of the soft tissues over his calcaneus with signifi-
cant ecchymosis, and areas of blanching skin over his posterior
heel and was neurovascularly intact (Fig. 11.1). He did not have
other complaints, nor any tenderness to palpation anywhere else.
P. Wolinsky, M.D. (*)

UC Davis Medical Center, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3800,
Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
C. Beck, M.D.
Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 W. Wisconsin Ave,
Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_11,
102 P. Wolinsky and C. Beck
a b
Figure 11.1 Soft-tissue appearance at the time of presentation to

the emergency department
a b
c d
Figure 11.2 Plain radiographs and CT injury imaging
Radiographs
X-rays of his foot, ankle, as well as full-length tibia and fibula

images (joint above and below) were obtained and showed a
displaced calcaneal tuberosity tongue-type fracture. A CT
scan was obtained to better delineate the injury and evaluate
for any intra- articular extension into the posterior facet
(Fig. 11.2).
Chapter 11. Tongue-Type Calcaneus Fractures 103

This calcaneus fracture is a tongue-type injury and associated
with significant soft-tissue compromise. The pressure of the dis-
placed fragment compromising blood flow to the overlying soft
tissues is reflected by the ecchymosis and skin blanching present
at the time of presentation. This skin compromise requires
urgent reduction and stabilization of the displaced bony frag-
ment in the operating room to try and avoid a full-thickness
soft-tissue loss. Due to this soft-tissue injury, we immediately
began getting him ready to go to the operating room urgently.
In the ED, the patient was placed in a bulky Jones splint
with his ankle in equinus to relax the deforming force of the
Achilles tendon on the displaced fragment in the ED. This
position may partly reduce the fracture and take some pres-
sure off the soft tissues until the patient can go to the operat-
ing room. Patients with this type of fracture are typically
admitted to the hospital for close monitoring of their skin
envelope and brought rapidly to the operating room.
Surgical Plan
Overall Plan/Goal
Fracture reduction is the key for this case and we planned on

using an escalating approach to obtain an appropriate reduc-
tion. Ideally this could be done percutaneously, but, if that
were not possible we would escalate to a mini-open approach
followed by a more extensile approach if needed. The key is
to what is to what is necessary to take the pressure off the soft
tissues while trying to protect the blood supply of the fracture
fragments. In this case we were able to use small percutane-
ous incisions for reduction, clamp placement, and fixation.
Positioning in the Operating Room
The patient was placed in the prone position on a radiolu-

cent foot extension so C-arm imaging cold be used intra-
operatively, and both sides of the calcaneus are accessible.
The patient’s foot was positioned at the end of the table to

help facilitate access to the foot and for proper imaging.
Either blankets or “bone foam” can be used to elevate the
injured extremity above the other to facilitate obtaining a
lateral image. This setup facilitates access to the posterior
aspect of the patient’s foot for reduction and fixation of
the fracture. Alternatively, the lateral position could be
used, but makes access to the medial side of the foot dif-
ficult if needed during the procedure.
Fracture Reduction
We began by unroofing and debriding the skin blisters.

Fluoroscopy was then used to help plan our incisions by
localizing and marking the positions of the fracture line and
both fragments. The foot plantar-flexed to see how much that
maneuver reduced the displaced tuberosity fragment. Once
the fragments were closer together we used a combination of
palpation and fluoroscopy to determine the positions of the
superior and inferior aspects of the calcaneal tuberosity. The
tines of a large Weber clamp were placed where we thought
they would clamp the fragments together and their positions
checked using a lateral fluoroscopic image prior to making
stab incisions. Four 1-cm stab incisions were then made so we
could place the tines of two large Weber clamps on the
medial and lateral sides of the calcaneus to reduce and com-
press the fracture fragments. The clamps were positioned so
they did not place any pressure on the already compromised
soft tissues. The first time we clamped the fracture together
we caused skin puckering on the medial side where soft tissue
was trapped within the fracture site. After unclamping we
made a small incision over this area and used an elevator to
sweep the soft tissues out the fracture site. We were then able
to re-clamp the fracture site without any soft tissues being
trapped within the fracture site. We then obtained lateral and
Harris heel views to check our reduction. 1.6 mm K-wires
were then placed to help hold the reduction.
Fracture Fixation
Once we were satisfied with our reduction we placed three

3.2 mm guide wires for 6.5 mm cannulated screws from supe-
rior to inferior and perpendicular to the fracture line. We
prefer to use larger fixation for fixation of the calcaneal
tuberosity fixation if the size of the fragments allows this to
counteract the strong pull of the Achilles tendon; however,
successful treatment using screws as small as 2.7 mm has been
described. Once we verified that the guide wires were in the
proper positions on lateral and Harris axial heel views, we
placed the appropriate length 6.5 mm cannulated screws
through stab wounds (Fig. 11.3). We used a washer on one
screw to aid in fixation and prevent intrusion of the screw
into the tuberosity. Screw “traffic” prevented the use of a
washer on all three screws. The stab incisions were closed
with nylon sutures, Silvadene and Xeroform were placed over
the unroofed blisters, and the patient was splinted in plantar
flexion to protect the fixation/reduction.
a b
c d
Figure 11.3 Intraoperative imaging

Postoperative Plan
A short leg posterior splint with a stirrup was placed in the

operating room with the patient in their “resting” equinus
position. Post-discharge follow-up timing is dependent on the
condition of the skin at the time of discharge. At a minimum
the patient is seen within 2 weeks for a skin check and suture
removal. If the skin is questionable the patient will return
sooner. If the fixation was felt to be “good” at the time of
surgery (good bone and good “bite”) and the soft tissues are
well healed at 2-week postoperative check, we start the
patient on gentle ankle range of motion at that time. If the
fixation was less than optimal or the soft tissues need more
“rest” we will slowly correct the equinus over the first 8
weeks postoperatively with either serial casting (never if the
skin is compromised and/or requires wound care) or a CAM
boot with decreasing heel lifts. The patient is kept toe touch
weight bearing for the first 8 weeks.
At 8 weeks a radiograph is obtained (Fig. 11.4) and weight
bearing is progressed over the next 4 weeks from toe touch to
weight bearing as tolerated with pain being the limiting fac-
tor. At 3 months postoperative if the patients have been able
to progress to full weight bearing and are comfortable, and
X-rays show appropriate healing, we will allow the patient to
begin strengthening exercises.
a b
Figure 11.4 Postoperative plain radiographs

• This fracture is one of the few remaining true orthopedic
emergencies. The condition of the soft-tissue envelope is
the key factor that dictates the urgency of treatment. Soft-
tissues necrosis can quickly develop due to the blood sup-
ply compromise caused by direct pressure of the displaced
fragment. Interposed soft tissues may block any provi-
sional reduction that can be obtained with plantarflexion.
Soft-tissue compromise has been seen in up to 21% of
patients with tongue-type injuries [1, 2].
• Surgical approaches that have been used to address this
fracture pattern include posteromedial, posterolateral,
extensile lateral, sinus tarsi, direct posterior, and percuta-
neous approaches. Authors recommend allowing the soft-
tissue envelope and the comfort of the surgeon to dictate
which technique(s) is needed to obtain fracture reduction
and fixation. Surgery is typically performed using either
the prone or the lateral position. Fixation options include
percutaneous screw placement to plate fixation with more
open approaches [1–4].
• The most described reduction maneuver for tongue-type
fractures is the Essex-Lopresti maneuver. This involves per-
cutaneously placing K-wires/Steinmann pins into the proxi-
mally displaced fragment parallel to the fracture line. The mid
foot is the held in one hand and plantarflexed. Simultaneously
a proximal to distal force is placed through the wires close
down the fracture site. This is held is this position until provi-
sional fixation can be achieved. This method was seen to give
an accurate reduction in up to 88% of the cases [2, 3].
• The primary deforming force on the calcaneal tuberosity
is the insertion of the Achilles tendon. This needs to be
considered for any possible preexisting contractures.
Some authors have advocated gastrocnemius recession or
tendo-achilles lengthening to help reduce the deforming
force on fracture fixation [4].
References
1. Gardner MJ, Nork SE, Barei DP, Kramer PA, Sangeorzan BJ,
Benirschke SK. Secondary soft tissue compromise in tongue-
type calcaneus fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2008;22(7):439–45.
doi:10.1097/BOT.0b013e31817ace7e.
2. Letournel E. Open treatment of acute calcaneal fractures. Clin
Orthop Relat Res. 1993;290:60–7.
3. Tornetta P. The Essex-Lopresti reduction for calcaneal fractures
revisited. J Orthop Trauma. 1998;12(7):469–73.
4. Banerjee R, Chao JC, Taylor R, Siddiqui A. Management of cal-
caneal tuberosity fractures. J Am Acad Orthop Surg.
2012;20(4):253–8. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-20-04-253.
Chapter 12
Cuboid and Nutcracker
Fractures
Daniel Segina and Ryan Wilson
Case Presentation
The case presentation is a 21-year-old male involved in a
motor vehicle collision as a restrained driver. He reported no
loss of consciousness and arrived via helicopter in full back-
board and cervical spine immobilization. ATLS protocol was
initiated and the patient was noted to be hemodynamically
stable. The patient was awake, alert, and oriented. He com-
plained of right foot and right lower leg pain. There was an
obvious deformity to his right lower extremity with exposed
bone. Pulses were present via Doppler examination with
gross sensation intact to light touch. The open wound over his
mid-tibia was dressed with a saline-soaked sterile gauze ban-
dage, and well-padded short leg splint was applied.
D. Segina, M.D. (*)

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Holmes Regional Medical Center, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
R. Wilson, P.A.-C., M.P.A.S.
Department of Orthopaedics, Holmes Regional Medical Center,
Melbourne, FL 32901, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_12,
110 D. Segina and R. Wilson
Figure 12.1 AP and lateral injury radiographs of the right tibia and
right foot
Injury Films
AP and lateral plain film radiographs of the right lower
extremity, foot, and ankle demonstrated fractures of the tibia
and fibula, first through third metatarsals, and navicular
(Fig. 12.1). A CT scan with two-dimensional and three-
dimensional reformats was performed which confirmed frac-
tures observed on plain film, in addition to fractures of the
cuboid and first metatarsal base (Figs. 12.2 and 12.3).

After administration of appropriate prophylactic antibiotics,
the patient was taken to the operating room for emergent
treatment of his open tibia and fibula fractures. After tibial
stabilization, stress radiographs were obtained to further
assess the foot injury. First tarsal-metatarsal joint instability
was noted along with an avulsion fracture of the base of the
second metatarsal (Fig. 12.4). Excessive swelling of the foot
Chapter 12. Cuboid and Nutcracker Fractures 111
Figure 12.2 Axial, coronal, and sagittal reformats of the right foot
Figure 12.3 Three-dimensional reformats of the right foot

Figure 12.4 Intraoperative stress radiographs
was present and therefore it was planned to perform delayed

reconstruction of the foot injuries. Postoperatively, the patient
was placed into a well-padded posterior splint for soft-tissue
immobilization. The patient had significant foot and ankle
edema, which precluded surgical intervention at the primary
hospital admission. He was discharged to home and then seen
in the outpatient office 7 days later to assess edema. Once his
edema had resolved and the soft tissues were amenable to
surgical dissection, he was electively scheduled for repair of
his right-foot injury.
Surgical Tact
Position
Supine on a radiolucent operating table with a rolled sheet

bump under the ipsilateral hip and fluoroscopy from the contra-
lateral side of the table. The operative leg had an unsterile tour-
niquet placed prior to draping and a sterile radiolucent padded
triangle was placed behind the knee for optimal positioning of
the foot and relaxation of the gastrocnemius soleus (Fig. 12.5).
Appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis was delivered within 60 mins
of incision and a surgical time-out was performed.
Figure 12.5 Limb position with padded triangular wedge
Approach
Due to combined medial and lateral columnar injuries, a

dual-incision approach was utilized. This encompassed a dor-
sal medial utility incision as well as a lateral incision allowing
for surgical visualization of the first and second tarsometatar-
sal junction, navicular injury, as well as lateral column/cuboid
injury.
racture Reduction and Fixation

F
(Medial Column)
Reconstruction began with medial column restoration. Direct
exposure of the entire medial column provided for anatomi-
cal reduction and safe hardware placement. Reconstruction
began by addressing the first metatarsal injury. Direct visual-
ization of the joint is mandatory to avoid medial columnar
mal-reduction. Retrograde screw fixation from the base of
the first metatarsal into the medial cuneiform was utilized
and provided for adequate stabilization.
Figure 12.6 Intraoperative views of the medial column reconstruc-

tion
Adequacy of the reduction was assessed with both direct

visualization and adjuvant fluoroscopy. After fixation of the
first tarsometatarsal injury, the second metatarsal
base/Lisfranc joint complex was evaluated to assess anatomi-
cal alignment. Finally, reconstruction of the medial column
addressed the navicular injury. Direct exposure of the navicu-
lar provided for anatomical reduction and safe hardware
placement (Fig. 12.6).
Fracture Reduction and Fixation (Lateral Column)
Attention was then focused on the lateral column injury

focusing on the cuboid. A linear incision was made in line
with the fourth metatarsal and extended proximally to ensure
adequate visualization of the cuboid (Fig. 12.7). Subcutaneous
branches of the superficial peroneal nerve are commonly
seen after skin incision and should be gently dissected
Figure 12.7 Surgical approach
Figure 12.8 Superficial peroneal nerve branch
(Fig. 12.8). The interval between the peroneus tertius and

peroneus brevis is exploited to reveal the underlying lateral
wall of the cuboid. Further dissection proximally reveals the
inferior aspect of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle belly.
This was elevated as a full-thickness flap from the lateral
cuboid (Fig. 12.9). Next, the articulations at the calcaneal
cuboid and cuboid metatarsal joints were directly visualized
(Fig. 12.10). Articular impaction was addressed with
Figure 12.9 Deep dissection with cuboid exposure
Figure 12.10 Deep exposure with visualization of the cuboid meta-

tarsal articulation
mobilization of the lateral cuboid cortical surface and eleva-

tion of the depressed articular segments to produce a congru-
ent articular surface (Fig. 12.11). Any bone void should be
addressed with supplemental graft material (i.e., allograft
bone graft) and temporary K-wire fixation is placed to main-
tain the reduction. Definitive stabilization was accomplished
with small fragment plate fixation. Contouring is usually nec-
essary to ensure appropriate screw placement/trajectory and
minimize hardware prominence. Newer anatomically
Figure 12.11 Exposure of cuboid articular impaction
Figure 12.12 Placement of anatomically contoured cuboid plate
contoured plates may be beneficial for certain fracture pat-

terns. Additionally, angular stable screw fixation may be war-
ranted for patients with severe comminution or osteoporotic
bone (Fig. 12.12).
After definitive fixation, articular surfaces were inspected
for congruency and stability. Position of the hardware was
assessed with the use of intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging
(Fig. 12.13).
Figure 12.13 Final intraoperative images
Postoperative Plan
After the surgical incisions were dressed sterile, a well-pad-

ded short-leg posterior splint was applied for positional com-
fort and soft-tissue immobilization. Toes were left exposed to
allow for adequate postoperative neurocirculatory evalua-
tions. The patient was given appropriate prophylactic antibi-
otics for 24 h postoperatively. Deep venous thromboembolism
prophylaxis is ideally based upon risk assessment, but at a
minimum, should include mechanical compression to the
contralateral limb.
Outcome
The patient was seen in follow-up in the outpatient office for
suture removal 10 days post-definitive repair and physical
therapy without weight bearing was initiated. The therapy
protocol focused on edema control and range-of-motion
exercises to prevent equinus contracture. Serial radiographs
were obtained at 6-week intervals for 3 months. Temporary
K-wire fixation was discontinued at 6 weeks postoperatively.
Aquatic therapy was initiated at 6 weeks with full weight
bearing allowed to begin at 10 weeks. Aggressive formal and
self-directed physical therapy continued until 8 months post-
injury. At that time, radiographs revealed healed fractures of
the tibia, fibula, midfoot, and forefoot.
Following a routine protocol, screw removal was per-
formed 9 months post-injury (Fig. 12.14). Final functional
outcome included minimal pain, full return to work as a con-
struction worker, and normal gait.
• Fractures of the cuboid present a diagnostic dilemma due
to vague clinical symptoms and complex osteology. Clinical
suspicion should always be present with a combination of
midfoot swelling, ecchymosis, and pain.
• Cuboid fractures rarely occur in isolation; therefore the
concern always exists for associated injuries [1–4]. Plain-
film oblique radiographs help with the initial assessment
of a potential injury. CT evaluation with 2D and 3D refor-
mats is mandatory to accurately assess the overall cuboid
architecture as well as determine frequently associated
additional injuries [1].
• Stress radiographs can help determine subtle instabilities
and are recommended if the clinical opportunities arise
(Fig. 12.4).
Figure 12.14 Final plain films 9 months post-op
• The timing of fixation is dependent upon soft-tissue swell-

ing resolution. Columnar external fixation or medullary
K-wires can provide temporary stabilization while main-
taining length and assisting in soft-tissue swelling resolu-
tion (Fig. 12.15).
Figure 12.15 Temporary fixation with either external fixation or

temporary K-wires
• Pending compartment syndrome is always a concern.

Mechanism of injury combined with physical examination
and compartment pressure measurements all contribute to
the diagnosis. Timely temporizing stabilization, combined
with fascial release, is the usual treatment. Fascial release
can be achieved through larger medial and lateral incisions
or multiple small (pie crust) incisions (Fig. 12.16). Either
method needs to take into account future surgical
approaches to help avoid skin compromise.
• Frequently, multiple incisions/approaches are needed to
address the full constellation of injuries. Careful planning
is used to maximize injury visualization and preserve skin
bridges to avoid postoperative wound issues.
Figure 12.16 Fasciotomy incisions
• If associated injuries are present, surgical reconstruction

usually begins medially, with restoration of the medial col-
umn and/or first–third tarsal-metatarsal joints. Screw fixa-
tion remains the preferred stabilization technique with
plate fixation occasionally utilized for significant commi-
nution or column substitution. Retrograde medullary
K-wire stabilization can be useful for stabilization while
helping to avoid soft-tissue disruption (Fig. 12.17).
• Definitive stabilization of the cuboid injury mandates
direct visualization via an open exposure. A generous inci-
sion is made in line with the fourth metatarsal, allowing for
calcaneal cuboid and cuboid metatarsal articular assess-
ment. Sural and superficial peroneal nerve branches are
carefully mobilized away from the operative approach.
The interval between the peroneus tertius and peroneus
brevis is utilized along with full-thickness elevation of the
extensor digitorum brevis muscle belly [1–3].
• A bone void filler should be readily available to support
corrected articular impaction.
Figure 12.17 Temporary K-wire stabilization
Figure 12.18 Plate fixation options
• Plate fixation is frequently chosen to support the restored

cuboid anatomy and maintain graft containment. Newer,
anatomically contoured small fragment plates with locking
screw options may enhance surgical repair. However, the
potential clinical benefit should be weighed against the
added cost (Fig. 12.18).
• Postoperative protocol needs to take into account the fre-

quently encountered constellation of injuries. Six to eight
weeks of strict non-weight bearing followed by 4–6 weeks
of protected weight bearing allows adequate healing time
for both the osseous and ligamentous injuries (author’s
preferred method). The inclusion of aquatic exercises may
allow for earlier weight bearing and enhance the recovery
process.
References
1. Borelli J, De S, VanPelt M. Fractures of the cuboid. JAAOS.
2012;20(7):472–7.
2. Sangeorzan BJ, Swiontkowski MF. Displaced fractures of the
cuboid. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1990;72(3):376–8.
3. Weber M, Locher S. Reconstruction of the cuboid in compression
fractures: short to midterm results in 12 patients. Foot Ankle Int.
2002;23(11):1008–13.
4. Hermel MB, Gershon-Cohen J. The nutcracker fracture of the
cuboid by indirect violence. Radiology. 1953;60(6):850–4.
Chapter 13
Navicular Fractures
Mark Ayoub and David Polonet
Case Presentation #1
A 45-year-old male unrestrained driver in a motor vehicle
collision sustained a closed fracture-dislocation of the right
navicular. Associated injuries included a posterior ipsilateral
hip dislocation. His medical history included prior knee sur-
gery and chronic back pain and anxiety. He was using
Klonopin and oxycodone prior to this injury.
Injury Films
AP, lateral, and oblique radiographs of the foot and a CT scan
were obtained (Figs. 13.1 and 13.2).
M. Ayoub, M.D.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rutgers-Robert Wood
Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0019, USA
D. Polonet, M.D. (*)
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jersey Shore University
Medical Center, Wall, NJ 07753, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_13,
126 M. Ayoub and D. Polonet
Figure 13.1 AP and lateral radiographs showing a fracture-disloca-

tion of the right navicular
Figure 13.2 Axial CT cut illustrating large displaced dorsomedial

fragment of the navicular

Following examination and radiographic analysis of the
injury, the hip dislocation was reduced. It was noted that the
navicular dislocation was unable to be maintained in a
Chapter 13. Navicular Fractures 127
reduced position. The patient was taken urgently to the oper-

ating room for open reduction internal fixation due to tenting
of the skin and concern for skin necrosis.
Surgical Tact
Position
The patient was placed on the operating table in the supine

position, with a thigh tourniquet. Once draped to the level of
the tourniquet, the knee was flexed over a radiolucent trian-
gle and the foot slightly elevated with respect to the opposite
lower extremity, allowing for unimpeded lateral fluoroscopic
views.
Approach
The tourniquet was not inflated. A dorsomedial incision was

made extending from the distal talus to the distal medial
cuneiform. Deep exposure involved retraction of the dorsalis
pedis artery and deep peroneal nerve.
Bone fragments were identified, cleaned, and reduced using

plantar pressure and manual distraction. Two main fragments
across the central aspect of the navicular were held using a
bone reduction forceps. This was then secured using a smooth
Kirschner wire and two partially threaded cannulated 4.0-
mm cancellous screws were placed from medial to lateral,
one dorsal and the other plantar. These navicular screws were
placed through two small medial stab incisions. The navicular
was then pinned from the medial and intermediate cunei-
form, through the navicular, into the talus with two smooth
2.0-mm Kirschner wires to provide additional stability to the
medial column (Fig. 13.3). The wound was closed, after tour-
niquet release and saline irrigation, in layers with 2-0 Vicryl
and 3-0 nylon sutures.
Figure 13.3 Postoperative radiographs showing fixation of the

navicular and medial column
Postoperative Plan
An AO splint was applied. Antibiotics were maintained for
24 h perioperatively. The patient was instructed to maintain
foot-flat touchdown weight bearing for 10 weeks. Elevation
to heart level was instructed. The sutures were removed
at 2 weeks, and the patient was placed into a removable
cam-walker boot. Ankle and toe range-of-motion exercises
Figure 13.4 Final X-rays, 1 year post-injury
were initiated. Pins were removed at 4 weeks without

re-subluxation.
Outcome
The patient had multifocal post-injury pain, although his mid-
foot pain was mild. His primary complaint regarding his foot
was swelling. He had diminished sensation in his saphenous
nerve distribution that slowly improved. He returned to work
6 months post-injury. He was discharged from care 1 year
post-injury. Final X-rays are shown (Fig. 13.4).
Case Presentation #2
A 34-year-old male involved in a motorcycle collision presented
complaining of right-foot pain. No other complaints were noted.
He was stable hemodynamically, and ATLS-based assessment
revealed no other sites of injury. Skin was intact, with mild swell-
ing over the midfoot. No neurovascular compromise was seen.
Injury Films
Radiographs and a CT were obtained (Figs. 13.5 and 13.6).
3D reconstruction images were created from CT data show-
ing a comminuted navicular (Fig. 13.7).
Figure 13.5 AP, oblique, and lateral radiographs showing a com-

minuted navicular fracture
Figure 13.6 Axial, sagittal, and coronal CT cuts

Figure 13.7 3D reconstruction of the navicular illustrating exten-

sive plantar comminution

The patient was indicated for surgery and consent obtained.
While surgery was not deemed urgent or emergent, the foot
was suitable for surgery the same day and swelling was mild.
The dedicated orthopedic trauma operating room schedule
allowed for his surgical care to be completed that day. He was
brought to the operating room within 4 h of presentation.
Surgical Tact
Position and Approach
Position was supine with the radiolucent triangle. Tourniquet

was loosely applied but not inflated. Dual incisions, dorsal
and medial, were used to approach the fracture. The dorsal
incision was in line with the third ray, centered over the
navicular. Exposure required mobilization of a superficial
peroneal nerve branch. Two main fragments, one large dorsal

medial fragment and a lateral fragment, were identified after
tendons were retracted medially and the retinaculum and
capsule incised. The second (medial) incision extended from
the talonavicular joint to the medial cuneiform. The tibialis
anterior tendon was identified and retracted anteriorly. A
small distractor was placed on the medial side of the foot to
assist with exposure. This was done by placing a 3-mm Schanz
pin into the first metatarsal base and a second pin into the
talar neck. The navicular was secondarily distracted using a
lamina spreader to allow fragment mobilization and visual-
ization of the plantar surface of the navicular.
Both windows were exploited simultaneously. The fracture

was reduced from lateral to medial using the talar head as a
template to reduce the articular surface. Temporary Kirschner
wires were replaced with fragment-specific 2.4-mm plates
and screws. Adjacent joint instability was addressed with
trans-articular screws and spanning plates (Fig. 13.8).
Postoperative Plan
An AO splint was applied. Antibiotics were maintained for 24 h
perioperatively. The patient was instructed to maintain foot-flat
touchdown weight bearing for 10 weeks. Elevation to heart
level was instructed. The sutures were removed at 2 weeks, and
the patient was placed into a removable cam-walker boot.
Ankle and toe range-of-motion exercises were initiated.
Outcome
While there was minimal complaint of pain, stiffness and
swelling were reported. It was recommended that trans-
articular plates be electively removed 6 months postopera-
tively; however, the patient declined any further surgery.
Final X-rays are shown at 6 months (Fig. 13.9).
Figure 13.8 Postoperative radiographs. Fixation of the navicular is

achieved using a 2.4-mm cannulated screw and a 2.4-mm T-plate.
Another 2.4-mm T-plate spans the naviculocuneiform joint to provide
additional stability to the medial column, and a 3.5-mm screw is used to
fixate the medial, middle, and lateral cuneiforms. Lastly, an additional
2.4-mm T-plate spans the naviculocuneiform-second metatarsal joints
Figure 13.9 X-rays at 6 months postoperatively

• A high index of suspicion for concomitant injury to the
ipsilateral midfoot and hindfoot must be maintained.
Associated injury to the cuboid or intercuneiform liga-
ments must be ruled out.
• The talar articular surface of the navicular has a concave
shape. Screws at this location must be angled distally into
the navicular to avoid joint penetration [1].
• The talonavicular joint is the most mobile midfoot joint
and fusion results in degeneration of the subtalar and cal-
caneocuboid joints [1–4].
• The central area of the navicular is a watershed area that
makes it more susceptible to avascular necrosis, nonunion,
and stress fractures [5, 6].
• A 2-incision approach, utilizing both dorsal and medial
intervals, can be used in more complex fracture patterns
with comminution. Caution should be taken to protect the
superficial peroneal nerve as well as the deep peroneal
nerve with the more lateral window.
• Use of medially applied external fixator to the first meta-
tarsal and medial talar neck can assist with exposure of the
navicular as well as in restoring the length of the medial
column [2].
• In fractures with comminution, strong consideration
should be given to plate and screw constructs [1, 7, 8].
• Alternative or supplemental treatment options such as
primary arthrodesis of the naviculocuneiform joints, pri-
mary talonavicular/medial column arthrodesis, application
of a spanning external fixator, delayed reconstruction, and
temporary medial column bridge plating should be consid-
ered in cases with severe comminution not amenable to
open reduction internal fixation [2, 4, 9].
References
1. Cronier P, Frin JM, Steiger V, Bigorre N, Talha A. Internal fixation
of complex fractures of the tarsal navicular with locking plates. A
report of 10 cases. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2013;99
(4 Suppl):S241–9.
2. Ramadorai MU, Beuchel MW, Sangeorzan BJ. Fractures and dis-
locations of the tarsal navicular. J Am Acad Orthop Surg.
2016;24(6):379–89.
3. Sanders R, Fortin P, DiPasquale T, et al. Operative treatment in
120 displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Results using a
prognostic computed tomography scan classification. Clin
Orthop. 1993;290:87–95.
4. Astion DJ, Deland JT, Otis JC, Kenneally S. Motion of the hind-
foot after simulated arthrodesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am.
1997;79(2):241–6.
5. Rosenbaum AJ, Uhl RL, DiPreta JA. Acute fractures of the tarsal
navicular. Orthopedics. 2014;37(8):541–6.
6. Golano P, Farinas O, Saenz I. The anatomy of the navicular and
periarticular structures. Foot Ankle Clin. 2004;9:1–23.
7. Richter M, Wippermann B, Krettek C, Schratt HE, Hufner T,
Thermann H. Fractures and fracture dislocations of the midfoot:
occurrence, causes and long-term results. Foot Ankle Int.
2001;22:392–8.
8. Evans J, Beingnessner D, Agel J, Benirschke SK. Minifragment
plate fixation of high-energy navicular body fractures. Foot Ankle
Int. 2011;32:485–92.
9. Schildhauer TA, Nork SE, Sangeorzan BJ. Temporary bridge plat-
ing of the medial column in severe midfoot injuries. J Orthop
Trauma. 2003;17:513–20.
Chapter 14
Lisfranc Fracture/Dislocation
Treated with Primary
Arthrodesis
Clayton C. Bettin, Florian Nickisch, and Edward A. Perez
Case Presentation
A 66-year-old female presented to the outpatient clinic
4 days after a high-energy motor vehicle accident for evalu-
ation of right-foot pain. She was a restrained driver who
collided with a vehicle in front of her and had immediate
pain and inability to bear weight on the right foot. She was
initially evaluated at an outside hospital where she was
informed that she dislocated her second metatarsophalan-
geal joint. A reduction was performed at the outside hospi-
tal, the right foot was splinted, and the patient was encouraged
C.C. Bettin, M.D. • E.A. Perez, M.D. (*)

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tennessee—
Campbell Clinic, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
F. Nickisch, M.D.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Utah School of
Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_14,
138 C.C. Bettin et al.
to follow up with a local podiatrist. The patient was evalu-

ated 1 day prior to presentation by the podiatrist who rec-
ommended urgent surgical intervention for multiple fractures
in the right foot. The patient presented to the orthopedic
foot and ankle clinic for a second opinion. She has no prior
injury to this foot until 4 days ago and no history of chronic
foot pain. She has a history of controlled hypertension,
depression, and hypothyroidism for which she takes appro-
priate medications. The patient is employed as a dental
hygienist and denies tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drug
use. She lives at home with her husband. She has been in
overall good health until 4 days ago.
Physical examination of the patient shows her to have
appropriate mood and affect. She has palpable pulses at
regular rate and rhythm in all extremities and non-labored
respirations. She has full range of motion of her neck with-
out any tenderness to palpation. Her right foot shows sig-
nificant swelling although her compartments are soft and
compressible. There is ecchymosis extending plantarly
from the toes to the heel. Her sensation is symmetric to
her uninvolved extremity. She has significant tenderness to
palpation in the midfoot as well as at the second metatar-
sophalangeal joint. There is no pain noted at her ankle,
hindfoot, or base of the fifth metatarsal. Her second toe
appears to be located clinically. She is able to dorsiflex and
plantarflex her ankle and toes as well as invert and evert
her hindfoot normally.
Injury Films
Non-weight bearing films were obtained in clinic secondary
to the patient being unable to bear weight on the foot due to
pain and are shown in Fig. 14.1. Interpretation of the
Chapter 14. Lisfranc Fracture/Dislocation Treated 139
Figure 14.1 Injury AP, oblique, and lateral radiographs
radiographs shows widening of the first intermetatarsal

space as well as between the medial and middle cuneiform.
On the AP view, a line drawn from the medial navicular to
the medial cuneiform and extended distally (Mills line) does
not intersect the first metatarsal. There is an incongruous
articulation between the navicular and medial cuneiform
indicative of a longitudinal Lisfranc fracture dislocation with
dislocation of the intercuneiform and naviculocuneiform
joints. An avulsion-type fracture of the proximal medial pole
of the medial cuneiform is apparent. The second MTP is
reduced with slight varus angulation compared to the other
MTP joints.
A CT scan was obtained to further evaluate the bony
anatomy and is shown in Fig. 14.2. The fracture of the
medial cuneiform is visualized, as is the shortening and
dorsomedial translation of the naviculocuneiform joint
consistent with a longitudinal Lisfranc injury pattern. Varus
angulation of the second metatarsophalangeal joint is
demonstrated.
Figure 14.2 CT scan right foot

The patient was placed into a well-padded short leg splint. A
long discussion was held with her regarding treatment
options ranging from conservative to surgical. Due to the
demonstrated instability at multiple joints, recommendation
of surgical intervention with open reduction and internal
fixation versus arthrodesis was given with determination of
procedure based on assessment of cartilage intraoperatively.
Risks of neurovascular injury, infection, persistent pain, and
irritating hardware were discussed in detail and the patient
signed informed consent for the procedure. Surgery was
scheduled for 1 week later (12 days post-injury) to allow time
for her soft-tissue swelling to resolve.
Surgical Technique
Position
After marking the surgical site and induction of general anes-

thesia with a popliteal block for postoperative pain control,
the patient was positioned supine on the operating table with
the feet at the edge of the bed. A right-thigh tourniquet was
applied, intravenous antibiotics were given, and the extremity
was prepped and draped in the standard surgical fashion. A
time-out was taken to identify the correct patient, operative
site, and other items per protocol. The limb was exsangui-
nated with an Esmarch and the tourniquet was insufflated to
275 mmHg.
Approach
An approximately 10 cm incision was made on the dorsum of

the right foot and care was taken to protect the crossing
branches of the superficial peroneal nerve. The interval
between the extensor hallucis brevis and longus was identified
and the brevis, along with the neurovascular bundle, was mobi-
lized laterally with the longus taken medially. Significant dis-
ruption of the deep capsular structures was noted and
hematoma was evacuated. Instability of the entire medial ray
was visualized with disruption of the first intermetatarsal
space, intercuneiform, and naviculocuneiform joints along with
cartilaginous injury in the same. The first and second tarso-
metatarsal articulations were stable. The fracture of the proxi-
mal medial pole of the medial cuneiform was identified, found
to be multifragmentary, and excised. Given the amount of
instability, cartilage injury, and patient’s age, the decision was

made to proceed with arthrodesis of the intercuneiform,
medial, and middle naviculocuneiform joints. Residual carti-
lage on the proximal and medial aspect of the medial cunei-
form, lateral and proximal aspect of the middle cuneiform, and
distal aspect of the medial and middle facets of the navicular
was removed with a ¼” curved osteotomy and small curettes.
A small lamina spreader and K-wire distractor were utilized as
well to create enough distraction to ensure complete removal
of cartilage from the plantar aspects of these joints. The sub-
chondral bone of these articulations was then perforated using
a water-cooled 2.0 mm drill bit. A 3 cm incision was made over
Gerdy’s tubercle on the right proximal tibia and dissection was
carried down through the fascia onto the tubercle. The lateral
wall was perforated by hand using a 6.5 mm drill guide and
cancellous bone graft was removed using a large pituitary ron-
geur. The graft was morselized and packed into the interstices
of the medial and middle naviculocuneiform, intercuneiform
joints, and first intermetatarsal space.

Figure 14.3 shows the disruption of the medial ray as identi-
fied in the procedure, as well as provisional reduction
obtained using a shoulder hook with an adduction and inter-
nal rotation maneuver to the medial ray. Attention should be
paid to the restoration of Mills line (a line from the medial
navicular to the medial cuneiform extended distally) as it
now intersects the first metatarsal. The provisional reduction
was held temporarily with 1.6 mm K-wires. An external com-
pression device was utilized with appropriate wires to pro-
vide controlled compression of the medial ray. A medial
incision was made just proximal to the navicular tuberosity
and a 3.5 mm position screw was placed from the navicular
into the medial cuneiform. Through the same medial incision,
another 3.5 mm screw was placed from the navicular into the
middle cuneiform. A clamp was placed across the first inter-
metatarsal space to compress the base of the second
Figure 14.3 Provisional reduction
metatarsal to the medial cuneiform and a 3.5 mm position

screw was placed through a stab incision medial to the cunei-
form into the base of the second metatarsal. Retrograde
3.5 mm position screws were placed from the medial
Figure 14.4 Final fluoroscopic images
cuneiform into the navicular as well as across the middle

cuneiform and into the navicular. A 4-0 burr was used to cre-
ate dorsal troughs in the navicular and medial/middle cunei-
forms for additional strain-relieving bone graft to be packed
into the interstices. The stability was tested and found to be
excellent. The second MTP joint was held in a concentrically
reduced position and a 1.6 mm K-wire was placed percutane-
ously retrograde from the tip of the toe, across the DIP, PIP,
and MTP joints. Reduction and hardware position were
checked fluoroscopically in multiple planes as shown in
Fig. 14.4. All wounds were copiously irrigated and closed in a
layered fashion. Sterile dressings were applied and a well-
padded below-knee splint was applied.
Postoperative Plan
The patient returned at 2 weeks after surgery for wound inspec-
tion and suture removal. No wound complications were encoun-
tered. She was placed into a tall boot that was worn at all times
other than when bathing for four additional weeks with strict
nonweight-bearing precautions for the first 8 weeks after sur-
gery. At 6 weeks boot removal for range of motion was allowed
and the K-wire across the second MTP joint was removed.
Progressive weight bearing began at 8 weeks after surgery.
Outcome
Radiographs were obtained at 6 weeks, 3 months, and
6 months post-op as shown in Figs. 14.5–14.7. A solid arthrod-
esis was obtained and at latest follow-up the patient had
minimal pain and no limitations to her activities.
Figure 14.5 AP, oblique, and lateral radiographs 6 weeks post-op
Figure 14.6 AP, oblique, and lateral radiographs 3 months post-op

Figure 14.7 AP, oblique, and lateral radiographs 6 months post-op
• A line drawn tangential to the medial navicular and cunei-
form and extended distally should normally intersect the
first metatarsal. This line is useful in detecting subtle
Lisfranc injuries as well as in evaluating reduction during
surgery [1].
• Both ORIF and arthrodesis are described as treatment for
acute Lisfranc injuries. There is debate as to which is supe-
rior [2, 3]. Supporters of arthrodesis point out that there is
poor potential for healing of the Lisfranc ligament back to
bone with ORIF leading to later degenerative changes
that may require arthrodesis. Many cases treated without
arthrodesis undergo a second operation for planned hard-
ware removal [4].
• Several studies have compared arthrodesis to ORIF, with
arthrodesis having been shown to have a lower reopera-
tion rate, similar patient outcomes, and similar rates of
anatomic alignment obtained [4–8].
• Assessment of instability of midfoot joints should be made
during surgery. All joints that demonstrate instability
should be incorporated into the arthrodesis. Leaving an
unstable joint will increase the likelihood of adjacent joint
arthritis and need for future surgery.
• All articular cartilage from involved joints should be

removed during arthrodesis procedure. Adequate joint
distraction is imperative to visualize the most plantar
aspects of the joint and assure that all cartilage is removed.
Remaining plantar cartilage may increase the risk of
nonunion.
• Cases of delayed diagnosis of a Lisfranc injury with degen-
erative changes of the articular surfaces should be treated
with arthrodesis [9, 10].
• Most patients are able to return to their previous activities
after arthrodesis for Lisfranc injuries however some
patients do have limitations to activities after this injury
which should be discussed preoperatively [11].
References
1. Coss HS, Manos RE, Buoncristiani A, Mills WJ. Abduction
stress and AP weightbearing radiography of purely ligamentous
injury in the tarsometatarsal joint. Foot Ankle Int.
1998;19(8):537–41.
2. Seybold JD, Coetzee JC. Lisfranc injuries: when to observe, fix,
or fuse. Clin Sports Med. 2015;34:705–23.
3. Watson TS, Shurnas PS, Denker J. Treatment of Lisfranc joint injury:
current concepts. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2010;18(12):718–28.
4. Ly TV, Coetzee JC. Treatment of primarily ligamentous Lisfranc
joint injuries: primary arthrodesis compared with open reduc-
tion and internal fixation. A prospective, randomized study.
J Bone Joint Surg. 2006;88(3):514–20.
5. Smith N, Stone C, Furey A. Does open reduction and internal
fixation versus primary arthrodesis improve patient outcomes
for Lisfranc trauma? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016;474:1445–52.
6. Henning JA, Jones CB, Sietsema DL, Bohay DR, Anderson
JG. Open reduction internal fixation versus primary arthrodesis
for Lisfranc injuries: a prospective randomized study. Foot Ankle
Int. 2009;30(10):913–22.
7. Reinhardt KR, LS O, Schottel P, Roberts MM, Levine
D. Treatment of Lisfranc fracture-dislocations with primary par-
tial arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Int. 2012;33(11):50–6.
8. Sheibani-Rad S, Coetzee JC, Giveans MR, Digiovanni

C. Arthrodesis versus ORIF for Lisfranc fractures. Orthopedics.
2012;35(6):e868–73.
9. Aronow MS. Treatment of the missed Lisfranc injury. Foot
Ankle Clin N Am. 2006;11:127–42.
10. Dubois-Ferriere V, Lubbeke A, Chowdhary A, Stern R,

Dominguez D, Assal M. Clinical outcomes and development of
symptomatic osteoarthritis 2 to 24 years after surgical treatment
of tarsometatarsal joint complex injuries. J Bone Joint Surg.
2016;98:713–20.
11. MacMahon A, Kim P, Levine DS, Burket J, Roberts MM, Drakos
MC, Deland JT, Elliott AJ, Ellis SJ. Return to sports and physical
activities after primary partial arthrodesis for Lisfranc injuries in
young patients. Foot Ankle Int. 2016;37(4):355–62.
Chapter 15
Lisfranc Fracture/Dislocation
Treated with ORIF
Daniela Sanchez, Daniel Scott Horwitz, Amrut Borade,
and Harish Kempegowda
Abbreviations
AP Anteroposterior
ORIF Open reduction and internal fixation
TMT Tarsometatarsal
Case Presentation
A 31-year-old male patient presented to the office with pain
in his left foot for 3 days secondary to an injury sustained
while playing football. He was pushed from the back when
his foot was in a plantar-flexed position, suffering from what
appeared to be a hyperextension injury to the midfoot. The
patient felt a crack/pop sensation followed by severe pain
D. Sanchez, M.D. • D.S. Horwitz, M.D. (*)

A. Borade, M.B.B.S., M.S. • H. Kempegowda, M.B.B.S., M.S.
Department of Orthopaedics, Geisinger Health System,
100 N Academy Ave., Danville, PA 17821, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_15,
150 D. Sanchez et al.
and swelling. The patient was non-weight bearing in his left

foot but the pain failed to subside for 3 days. On exam, even
though there was no evident plantar ecchymosis which would
be a sign highly suggestive of a Lisfranc injury, diffuse soft-
tissue swelling was documented over the first and second
metatarsal bases, and midfoot movements caused significant
pain and discomfort. Movement of the ankle joint, fore foot,
and hind foot was pain free. His neurovascular exam was
normal without any open wounds over the foot, and no signs
of compartment syndrome were noted.
Treatment Considerations and Planning

If a Lisfranc injury is suspected, one should obtain anteropos-
terior (AP), lateral, and oblique radiographs of the foot in
order to evaluate congruency of the tarsometatarsal (TMT)
complex [1]. The AP view is used to evaluate the first and
second TMT joints, the oblique view will allow the evaluation
of the alignment of the third and fourth TMT joints, and the
lateral view of the foot will be useful for the assessment of
dorsal and plantar dislocations of the Lisfranc joint [2]. A
Lisfranc injury is diagnosed when the medial base of the sec-
ond metatarsal is not lined up with medial aspect of the
middle cuneiform on an AP view. A pathognomonic radio-
logic sign is the “fleck sign” [3] between the bases of the first
and second metatarsals, which indicates an avulsion of the
Lisfranc ligament from either the medial cuneiform or the
base of the second metatarsal. For patients with a subtle
lesion, a stress radiograph consisting of a weight-bearing AP
X-ray of both feet may help make the diagnosis of a Lisfranc
injury if there is an increased joint space between the first
and second metatarsals with respect to the uninjured foot [4].
In order to perform an adequate stress test, the weight should
be evenly distributed on both feet, which may be painful for
the patient; therefore in some cases using local anesthesia
before taking the radiographs may help improve the quality
of the test [1]. CT scans are useful among patients with
a b c
Figure 15.1 Radiographs of the patient’s left foot taken 3 days after
the injury. (a) Weight-bearing AP view showing >2 mm diastasis of
the first intermetatarsal space and loss of alignment between the
medial borders of the middle cuneiform and the base of the second
metatarsal. The arrow is showing the fleck sign: an avulsion of the
Lisfranc ligament from the base of the second metatarsal.
(b) Oblique view shows congruent third and fourth TMT joints.
(c) Lateral view showing no dorsal or plantar displacements
complex fractures who require a more accurate delineation

of the fracture pattern. If there is no clear evidence of dis-
placement in the X-rays but there is a suspicion of a Lisfranc
injury then a MRI may help detect a sprain or rupture of the
ligament.
In this case, the standard radiographs including AP, lateral,
and oblique views of the left foot were obtained (Fig. 15.1).
The AP radiograph revealed findings of 5.5 mm diastasis at
the first inter-metatarsal space and a disturbed linear relation
between the second metatarsal and the middle cuneiform,
both findings consistent with the diagnosis of Lisfranc injury.
The lateral three rays of the left foot appeared congruent on
the oblique view and there was no evidence of vertical insta-
bility on the lateral view.
The first step in the management of any Lisfranc injury is to
decide whether surgical fixation is needed. Anatomic reduction
and internal fixation is the preferred option for injuries with a
diastasis of more than 2 mm at the first metatarsal space [1, 5].
The different fixation options are screws, low profile plates,

interosseous sutures, and K-wires, but, regardless of the
implant used for fixation, the mainstay of treatment is to
obtain an anatomic reduction of the Lisfranc joint, stabilizing
the medial and middle columns of the foot while preserving
motion of the lateral column [1, 5–7]. The advantages and limi-
tations of various treatment modalities are as follows.
Screws: They remain the most popular treatment option,
representing approximately 82% of the implants used for
internal fixation of Lisfranc fractures [5]. Compared to fixa-
tion with Kirschner pins, small fragment fully threaded
screws have better biomechanical features; they achieve
superior stabilization and tolerate higher bearing forces with-
out loss of reduction [7, 8]. On the other hand, they are trans-
articular implants with an inherent risk of causing thermal
injury to cartilage possibly resulting in an increased risk of
posttraumatic arthritis [9]. Another disadvantage of screws is
the necessity for hardware removal. Although most authors
suggest that screws should be removed between the third and
sixth postoperative months, there is still no clear evidence
regarding the indications for removal and when should this
surgery be performed [1, 10].
Interosseous suture techniques: Open reduction and internal
fixation (ORIF) using suture techniques have been recently
developed trying to overcome the problem of damaging the
articular surface with screws and possibly decreasing the inci-
dence of posttraumatic arthritis. Studies have shown equiva-
lent stability compared to screws, and suture systems do not
require an additional procedure for hardware removal [11, 12].
Theoretically, suture techniques can be effectively used for
fixation because they mimic the Lisfranc ligament and can
help maintain reduction, making them a suitable treatment
option for athletes [2, 13, 14]. There is inadequate evidence to
support a routine use of this technique over screws.
Plates: Low-profile plates have been utilized in the treat-
ment of Lisfranc injuries; they are joint-spanning implants
and therefore are less likely to cause damage to the articular
surface, and they are removed only if the patient becomes
symptomatic [1]. The surgical approach and exposure are
wider with respect to the approach needed for screws and this
can compromise blood supply and soft tissues, potentially
affecting bone healing [15]. Although to date there are no
clear indications for their use, plates are helpful for ORIF of
comminuted fractures [1]. The stability achieved with plates
is similar to the stability obtained when using trans-articular
screws and loss of reduction with weight-bearing forces is
comparable to screws [16, 17].
Based on these factors, the decision was made to perform
ORIF with screws.
I ntraoperative Tips and Tricks for Reduction

and Fixation
The procedure was performed with the patient in a supine
position with his knee flexed and using a triangular support in
order to allow a plantigrade position of the foot. A dorsal lon-
gitudinal incision over the first TMT joint space between the
extensor hallucis longus and the extensor hallucis brevis ten-
dons was made. The neurovascular bundle was carefully pre-
served while exposing the first intermetatarsal space. Under
direct visualization, the first TMT joint was tested and found to
be unstable, so the first ray was stabilized with an axial screw
from the metatarsal to the medial cuneiform and a pointed
reduction clamp was then placed across the medial cuneiform
to the second metatarsal base to reduce the Lisfranc complex.
The Lisfranc screw was placed from the medial aspect of the
medial cuneiform to the second metatarsal base and the sec-
ond metatarsal was additionally stabilized with a screw from
the base to the middle cuneiform. Intraoperatively, the third
metatarsal was stressed and found to be unstable; hence a
screw was placed across the third TMT joint. The lateral col-
umn was stable when tested intraoperatively; therefore no
further fixation was required. Finally, the quality of the reduc-
tion was confirmed clinically and radiographically (Fig. 15.2).
In cases where the joints in the lateral column are found
to be unstable, attempts for close reduction and percutane-
ous fixation can be done. If reduction cannot be maintained,
a b
Figure 15.2 Fluoroscopic images of the final reduction and fixation

of the Lisfranc injury. (a) AP view showing fixation with a Lisfranc
screw. Note that the medial borders of the second metatarsal and
the middle cuneiform are aligned. The first and second metatarsals
are fixed to the medial and middle cuneiforms, respectively, using
fully threaded screws. (b) Oblique view shows the third metatarsal
fixed to the lateral cuneiform and congruent fourth and fifth TMT
joints. (c) No vertical instability documented on the lateral view
or is difficult to achieve by these means, open reduction is

required. A dorsal longitudinal incision over the fourth
intermetatarsal space will allow access to the third and
fourth TMT joints and reduction under direct visualization
can be performed. Flexible fixation with Kirschner wires
will help maintain reduction without completely restricting
motion of the lateral column and they are typically removed
after 6 weeks [1, 10].
Key Points/Pearls
• Make longitudinal incisions to address the affected joints:

A dorsomedial approach will give access to the first and
second TMT joints and a dorsolateral approach will give
access to the TMT in the lateral column. Beware: Protect
skin flaps to avoid necrosis [10].
• If anatomic reduction can’t be obtained look for soft-tis-
sue interposition (tibialis anterior tendon) [1, 18].
• The sequence of reduction of Lisfranc fractures should go
from proximal to distal and from medial to lateral, reduc-
ing and temporarily fixing the medial column first, follow-
ing reduction of the middle and lateral columns [10, 18].
• Anatomic reduction and rigid fixation of the medial and
middle columns + flexible fixation (pins) of the lateral
column if needed [19].
• The Lisfranc screw can be placed from the base of the
second metatarsal towards the medial cuneiform as the
target is bigger [15].
• Avoid using lag or partially threaded screws because they
can increase stress across the articular surface [2].
• Always evaluate the quality and stability of the fixation.
Postoperative Protocols and Follow-Up

The patient was kept nonweight bearing in a splint during the
first 6 weeks and was encouraged to slowly advance to full
weight bearing over the next 4–6 weeks. By the end of 12 weeks
the patient was full weight bearing in his regular shoes.
Controversy remains regarding screw removal and the timing
of the procedure.Although the patient did not develop hardware-
related symptoms, when the risks and benefits of hardware
removal were explained, he opted for screw removal and the
surgery was performed after 5 months. At 1-year follow-up, the
patient reported no complaints and did not have difficulty in
carrying out his regular activities. Radiographs obtained revealed
a well-aligned foot with well-maintained reduction of the
Lisfranc joint and there were no degenerative changes (Fig. 15.3).
a b
c d
Figure 15.3 Follow-up X-rays at 3 months and 1 year postoperative.

(a) and (b) AP and oblique views at the third postoperative month
showing that the reduction is maintained and no implant failure.
(c) and (d) AP and oblique views at 1-year follow-up. Screws have
been removed and reduction of Lisfranc joint has been maintained
Another Mode of Treatment

Here we have a similar clinical scenario of a pure ligamen-
tous Lisfranc injury of the right foot of a male adult sustained
while he was practicing football. Additional to the initial set
of X-rays, a stress test was performed and demonstrated
instability of the Lisfranc complex (Fig. 15.4).
As joint instability was documented, the decision to pro-
ceed with surgical treatment was made and the patient under-
went ORIF with interosseous sutures. In this case the
reduction of the Lisfranc complex was maintained using a
tenaculum clamp while a guide wire was placed from the
medial cuneiform to the base of the second metatarsal in a
percutaneous fashion. After confirmation of the position of
Figure 15.4 Shows full weight-bearing AP views of both feet (stress

test). The first intermetatarsal joint space is >1 mm wider with
respect to the left foot
Figure 15.5 Fluoroscopic AP view of the reduced Lisfranc complex

and its fixation using and interosseous suture
the guide wire using biplanar fluoroscopy, a drill hole was

made using a 2.7 mm drill bit to allow the passage of the
tightrope needle. Subsequently, the needle was passed
through the drill hole, an anchor was pulled through and
engaged on the medial cortex of the medial cuneiform, and
the button was tightened down at the base of the second
metatarsal (Fig. 15.5). Finally, the stability of the reduction
was checked under fluoroscopy and no instability of the TMT
joints was evidenced.
During the follow-up period, the postoperative protocol
was similar to the one described previously. At his last follow-
up, the patient was asymptomatic and tolerated full weight
bearing. The X-rays showed a reduced Lisfranc joint and no
failure of fixation materials (Fig. 15.6).
a b
Figure 15.6 Follow-up X-rays at 3 months postoperative showing

maintenance of reduction and no implant failure in both AP (a) and
lateral views (b)
Outcomes
Although there are multiple short- and long-term complica-
tions (compartment syndrome, neurovascular injuries, flat
foot deformity, and chronic instability), posttraumatic arthri-
tis continues to be the most common problem after Lisfranc
injuries [10]. The most important factors contributing to this
are the extent of the initial injury and the quality of the
reduction after ORIF. Regardless of which implants are used
for internal fixation, an anatomic reduction is the main deter-
minant for achieving good clinical outcomes [6]. Although
approximately 50% of patients will have arthritic radio-
graphic changes in the follow-up X-rays, not all patients are
symptomatic, and only 7–8% require arthrodesis [5].
ORIF of severe fracture dislocations are associated with

less pain and less stiffness compared to primary arthrodesis
[10, 15]. As discussed, anatomic and stable ORIF can be
achieved using either screws or interosseous sutures; however
the advantages and limitations of these implants must be
considered in order to choose the appropriate implant for
each individual patient.
Although current evidence suggests that better clinical out-
comes are obtained when primary arthrodesis is performed in
patients with purely ligamentous injuries [6, 10] the evidence
comparing the use of arthrodesis vs. ORIF with interosseous
sutures for treating this type of injury remains scarce. Despite
a lack of strong evidence, fixation using interosseous sutures
may be advantageous, especially in athletes as it allows early
weight bearing, doesn’t require hardware removal, and pre-
serves midfoot mobility [2].
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fuse. Clin Sports Med. 2015;34(4):705–23. doi:10.1016/j.
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dislocations with an interosseous suture botton technique: a
review of 3 cases. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2008;47(3):250–8.
14. Brin YS, Nyska M, Kish B. Lisfranc injury repair with the tight-
rope device: a short-term case series. Foot Ankle Int.
2010;31(7):624–7.
15. Panchbhavi VK. Current operative techniques in lisfranc injury.
Oper Tech Orthop. 2008;18:239–46. doi:10.1053/j.oto.2009.02.003.
16. Alberta FG, Aronow MS, Ma B, Diaz-Doran V, Sullivan RS,
Adams DJ. Ligamentous Lisfranc joint injuries: a biomechanical
comparison of dorsal plate and transarticula screw fixation. Foot
Ankle Int. 2005;26(6):462–73.
17. Stern RE, Assal M. Dorsal multiple plating without routine tran-
sarticular screws for fixation of lisfranc injury. Orthopedics.
2014;37(12):815–9.
18. Benirschle SK, Meinberg E, Anderson SA, Jones CB, Cole

PA. IFractures and dislocations of the midfoot: lisfranc and
chopart injuries. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2012;94-A:1325–37.
19. Mak JCS, Cameron ID, March LM. Evidence-based guidelines
for the management of hip fractures in older persons: an update.
Med J Aust. 2010;192(1):37–41.
Chapter 16
Fifth Metatarsal Fracture
Treated with Intramedullary
Screw Fixation
Kathryn O’Connor
Case Presentation
A 51-year-old, morbidly obese male presented to the office
5 days after injuring his right foot. He reported that earlier
in the week he was walking across the street and, when he
stepped off the curb, felt a “pop” on the outside of the foot.
He had persistent pain for 2–3 days and ultimately went to
the emergency room where he was found to have a frac-
ture at the base of the fifth metatarsal. He denied any
prodromal symptoms, and had no history of falls or trauma
to the foot.
K. O’Connor, M.D., M.S.P.T.

Department of Orthopaedics, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
e-mail: Kathryn.O’[email protected]

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_16,
164 K. O’Connor
On examination, he had increased prominence on the

base of the fifth metatarsal in standing, a flexible varus
position of his heel, and adduction of his forefoot in stand-
ing. In addition, he had weakness in his peroneals and,
when walking, made initial contact on the lateral border of
his foot.
Injury Films
Non-weight bearing imaging of the foot shows a nondis-
placed fracture of the proximal aspect of the fifth metatar-
sal. The fracture was located in “zone 2” of the fifth
metatarsal, was transverse, and at the level of the 4/5 meta-
tarsal articulation. This is all consistent with a “Jones”
fracture. His repeat images more clearly show the fracture
line (Fig. 16.1).
Figure 16.1 Three non-weight bearing images of the foot initial

images, and images 2 days later
Chapter 16. Fifth Metatarsal Fracture Treated 165

While most literature focuses on fractures of the fifth meta-
tarsal in the athlete, this case reviews other scenarios where
fixation may be beneficial to promote healing. Current rec-
ommendations are for surgical fixation in patients who are
actively engaged in high level athletics so as to enable a faster
return to training [1, 2]. In the remainder of the population,
there is controversy over whether surgical fixation is neces-
sary or whether fractures can best be managed non-weight
bearing in a cast. Nonunion rates in patients treated nonopera-
tively have been reported in a wide range, but average in the
area of 15–20%, compared to 5% in operative fixation [1, 3].
Some evidence indicates that hindfoot varus may be a predis-
posing factor to Jones fractures and nonunions [3].
In this patient we discussed operative and nonoperative
treatment, and began with a trial to see if he would be able to
maintain non-weight bearing. Unfortunately, due to his size
he was unable to adequately maintain non-weight bearing,
and the decision was made to proceed with fixation. This was
deemed the best chance of healing since, in this scenario, his
mechanism was consistent with a stress fracture and we were
unable to remove the inciting stresses.
Surgical Tact
Position
The patient can be positioned supine or side lying with the

affected side up. The author’s preference is for side lying as it
166 K. O’Connor
Figure 16.2 Setup with the patient sidelying. AP and lateral imaging
can be done with very little manipulation of the leg
places the surgeon in a more advantageous position to place

the guidewire. In the lateral position you are able to advance
the guidewire without needing assistance to support or hold
the leg; this is especially helpful if operating alone. The non-
operative leg is positioned anteriorly, and the surgical leg is
positioned on a stack of towels or blankets to make a sup-
portive working surface. A large or small C-Arm can be used
to image the foot, but it is this surgeon’s preference to use the
large C-Arm to prevent moving the foot while trying to
obtain the starting point (Fig. 16.2).
Approach
Fluoroscopy is used to identify the level of the incision by

obtaining a lateral X-ray and placing the incision in line with
the canal of the fifth metatarsal (Fig. 16.3). The incision is
approximately 2 cm in length starting 1–2 cm proximal to the
base of the fifth metatarsal. Once through the skin, careful
Figure 16.3
Lateral Images to
help determine
level of incision
dissection down to the base of the metatarsal is performed to

be sure that crossing branches of the sural or superficial pero-
neal nerve are not injured. In addition, this allows spreading
and protection of the peroneal tendons. Throughout the case,
tissue protectors should be used to protect these structures
during drilling and tapping.
Reduction and Fixation
Much like all other intramedullary devices, the critical step of

the procedure is getting the appropriate starting point. In the
fifth metatarsal this is frequently described as the “high and
inside” position (Fig. 16.4) [4]. On AP, lateral, and oblique
images there needs to be a straight line down the center of
the canal with the guidewire. Using fluoroscopy, the guide-
wire is carefully advanced to a central place within the canal.
The shape of the fifth metatarsal is generally over 4 mm in
diameter with a slight curve in the distal half of the bone. This
prevents placing the guidewire along the length of the intra-
medullary canal. It is important not to over- advance the
guidewire, tap or drill, and perforate distal cortex creating a
distal stress riser.
The fracture line is generally found approximately 20 mm
from the base of the bone, and it is imperative that the guide-
wire is advanced far enough to have the screw threads cross
this site [5]. Once the guidewire is placed, an over-drill and
tap are used to prepare the canal (Fig. 16.5). A solid, partially
168 K. O’Connor
Figure 16.4 Obtaining starting point
Figure 16.5 Measuring

screw to check that
threads cross the
fracture site while
tapping the canal
threaded screw provides the greatest stiffness and allows for

compression of the fracture site. This has become the current
standard fixation method [2, 5]. When choosing screw length,
it is important that all of the threads cross the facture site.
However, the screw should not be too long and distract the
fracture site if it engages distally [4]. The screw is advanced
until it gets adequate purchase (Figs. 16.6).
Figure 16.6 Immediate postoperative images
Figure 16.7 Final

follow-up image-
sat 6 months
postoperative
170 K. O’Connor
Postoperative Plan
Immediately postoperatively, the patient is placed into a plas-
ter splint and made non-weight bearing. At the 2-week post-
operative appointment, sutures are removed. Due to this
particular patient’s obesity and difficulty maintaining NWB,
he was maintained in a cast for 6 weeks and attempted to be
NWB as best as he could manage, primarily heel weight bear-
ing. He was then transitioned to a walker boot to begin
weight bearing as tolerated at 6 weeks post-op. A custom
ankle foot orthotic was made to help hold his heel in a neu-
tral alignment and thereby prevent heel strike on the outside
border of the foot. The patient transitioned into this at the
10-week mark once it was fabricated.
Additionally, since this patient’s vitamin D levels were
subphysiologic, he was supplemented with a 12-week course
of 50,000 units.
Postoperatively this patient’s case was handled more con-
servatively than normally due his the obesity. For most
patients, as described in many protocols, weight bearing as
tolerated can begin as early as 2–4 weeks with transition into
a boot at that time [2, 4].
Outcome
The patient went on to full cortical bridging on X-rays at
approximately 3 months (Fig. 16.7). He had no pain at his
fracture site. He continues to use the custom ankle brace for
ambulation to help prevent repeat stress to the lateral border
of the foot.
• Optimizing patients with vitamin D may be beneficial to

aid in healing and preventing nonunion.
• Starting point of guidewire is the critical step in the proce-
dure; it is important to make sure this is in exact location.
• If there is concern about distraction at the fracture site,

then trying a shorter screw may help to reduce the risk of
the screw distracting the site before it has gotten adequate
purchase in the medullary canal.
• A shorter, wider screw is preferable to a longer, thinner
screw, so long as all threads cross the fracture site and pro-
vide compression [4].
• Clamping the fracture may be possible using percutaneous
incisions and a large pointed reduction clamp across the
fracture if there are signs of distraction [6].
• For first time fracture fixation, there is no clear indication
for use of augments such as bone marrow aspirate, or bone
grafting. This may be indicated for cases of nonunion.
• In cases of nonunions, an examination of the patients’
hindfoot alignment is necessary to determine if overall
foot posture is contributing to excessive forces at the base
of the fifth metatarsal. Occasionally, hindfoot osteotomies
may be necessary to correct varus alignment [3, 4].
References
1. Bishop J, et al. Operative versus nonoperative treatment of jones frac-
tures: a decision analysis model. Am J Orthop. 2016;45(2):E69–76.
2. Lareau C, et al. Return to play in national football league players
after operative jones fracture treatment. Foot Ankle Int.
2016;37(1):8–16.
3. Rakin S, et al. The association of varus hindfoot and fracture of
the fifth metatarsal metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction: the Jones
fracture. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36(7):1367–72.
4. Nunley J. Jones fracture technique. Tech Foot Ankle Surg.
2002;1(2):131–7.
5. Ochenjele G. Radiographic study of the fifth metatarsal for opti-
mal intramedullary screw fixation of jones fracture. Foot Ankle
Int. 2015;36(3):293–301.
6. Tan E, et al. Use of percutaneous pointed reduction clamp before
screw fixation to prevent gapping of a fifth metatarsal base frac-
ture: a technique tip. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2016;55(1):151–6.
Chapter 17
Metatarsal Fractures Fixed
with Plates or Wires
Megan Reilly and Saqib Rehman
History
A 28-year-old female presented to the trauma bay with bilat-

eral foot and ankle pain after a fall from two stories in an
apparent suicide attempt. Apart from substance abuse and sui-
cidal ideation, she had no significant past medical history. On
physical examination, she had right dorsal foot swelling, ecchy-
mosis, and lateral foot abrasions, but her compartments were
soft. She was able to dorsiflex and plantar flex the hallux and
the ankle. She had normal sensation over the dorsum of the
foot, the first web space, and the plantar aspect of the foot with
a palpable dorsalis pedis pulse. In her right foot, she was found
to have segmental second and third metatarsal fractures
(Fig. 17.1a–c), a minimally displaced medial calcaneal fracture,
and minimally displaced lateral and medial cuneiform fractures.
M. Reilly, M.D. • S. Rehman, M.D. (*)

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Temple University,
Philadelphia, PA, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_17,
174 M. Reilly and S. Rehman
a b
Figure 17.1 Right foot trauma bay radiographs after initial injury. (a)
(AP), (b) (oblique), (c) (lateral). Segmental second and third metatar-
sal fractures with 100% transverse displacement of the distal fractures
Associated injuries included a left minimally displaced poste-

rior inferior calcaneal fracture. She was splinted in a bulky pad-
ded posterior splint and elevated. Her vital signs remained
stable during her hospitalization and diagnostic imaging of her
chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed no additional injuries.
Because of her edematous foot, she was unable to undergo
immediate surgery, so she was instructed to keep it elevated
within the splint. The concern was that the foot swelling could
compromise her chances to have an adequately healing, or even
closeable, wound. She was discharged to an inpatient psychiat-
ric facility to address her immediate psychiatric needs.
Chapter 17. Metatarsal Fractures Fixed with Plates or Wires 175
Operative Planning
The patient presented at 5 weeks after injury; these blisters
were healed. Radiographs of the right foot included an AP,
lateral, and oblique view, which exhibited transverse fractures
of the proximal and distal aspects of the right second and
third metatarsals (Fig. 17.2a–c). Since her proximal metatar-
sal fractures had started to heal with minimal displacement, it
was determined that only the distal fractures would be
addressed in the operating room in order to correct the
malalignment. Typically, proximal metatarsal fractures have
bony support and little ligamentous disruption, which make
a b
Figure 17.2 Right foot radiographs 5 weeks after initial injury. (a)
(AP), (b) (oblique), (c) (lateral). Second and third metatarsal frac-
tures as previously described, still with displaced distal fractures
with evidence of interval callus formation
them stable and nondisplaced, and they respond well to non-

operative treatment [1]. Because of the very distal nature of
the third metatarsal fracture, it was determined that a plate
would likely not get enough screw purchase for stable fixa-
tion—therefore the fracture would be pinned.
Indications for fixation of metatarsal shaft fractures vary—
typically similar rules apply for all metatarsals except for the
proximal fifth metatarsal fracture. Generally, displacement
can be tolerated in the transverse plan, but sagittal plane dis-
placement can lead to prominent metatarsal heads during
weight bearing. The most consistent recommendations for
operative fixation are any sagittal malalignment greater than
10° or 3–4 mm of displacement in any plane [2, 3]. Multiple
metatarsal fractures may also be indicated for operative fixa-
tion; however, they will often move as a unit due to inter-
metatarsal ligaments [1].
Operative Events
About 6 weeks after the injury was sustained, the patient went
to the operating room. Again, this delay was not ideal, but due
to her difficulty getting to appointments to check her blisters,
her surgery could not be set up in a timely manner. She under-
went general anesthesia and a tourniquet was used on her
right lower extremity. The skin incision was made on the dor-
sal aspect of the foot, between the second and third metatar-
sals. Dissection was carried down to the periosteum where
abundant callus was found around the fracture sites. This was
removed from the distal fractures of both metatarsals and the
fracture ends were cleaned. The second metatarsal was fixed
with a 2.5 mm 5-hole plate, which allowed screws to be
inserted on both the proximal and distal portions of the bone
without approaching the fracture line or joint surface. The
third metatarsal fracture was pinned, using 0.062 in. double
ended Kirschner wire, for reasons listed above. It was pinned
using an antegrade-retrograde intramedullary technique. The
pin started in the dorsal incision since it was already open,
then exited the distal portion of the metatarsal followed by
a b c
Figure 17.3 Right foot immediate postoperative radiographs. (a)

(AP), (b) (oblique), (c) (lateral). The second metatarsal has interval
placement of a 2.5 mm five-hole plate over the distal fracture. The
third metatarsal has interval placement of an intramedullary pin,
which extends to the body of the lateral cuneiform, due to the seg-
mental nature of the fracture, and exits in the plantar foot. The foot
is now in a posterior fiberglass splint
retrograde advancement of the distal portion of the pin into

the proximal metatarsal. The proximal portion of the Kirschner
wire extended to the body of the lateral cuneiform, because of
the segmental nature of the fracture. The incisions were irri-
gated and closed (Fig. 17.3a–c).
Postoperative Plan
The patient’s incisions were dressed and she was placed in a
fiberglass posterior splint for protection with instructions for
non-weight bearing on the right lower extremity. She was also
given a prescription for aspirin 325 mg by mouth daily for
30 days for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, as is the
standard protocol at this particular institution. At 2 weeks
postoperatively, her wounds were assessed as healing appro-
priately and her sutures were removed. She was to remain
non-weight bearing in a splint. She had difficulty obtaining
radiographs at this stage. At 5 weeks postoperatively, she still
had difficulty obtaining radiographs, but her pin was removed
a b
Figure 17.4 Right foot radiographs from 8 weeks postoperatively.

(a) (AP), (b) (oblique), (c) (lateral). Second metatarsal plate in place.
Interval removal of third metatarsal intramedullary pin. Alignment
of metatarsals well maintained. Interval callus formation, but some
fracture line still visible, particularly in the proximal fractures
at that point in time. She would continue non-weight bearing

until radiographs could be obtained. She returned at 8 weeks
postoperatively with radiographs (Fig. 17.4a–c) showing
maintained alignment of the metatarsals with signs of appro-
priate healing. At this point her pain was much improved as
well. She was made weight bearing as tolerated in a short
walking boot and instructed to return in 6 weeks for final
radiograph to ensure complete union of the fractures.
a b
Figure 17.5 Right foot radiographs from 1 year postoperatively. (a)

(AP), (b) (oblique), (c) (lateral). Second metatarsal plate in place
with no implant migration. Fractures well healed with excellent
alignment
Outcome
The patient had bilateral foot radiographs at her primary
care physician’s office due to nondescript bilateral foot pain
during pregnancy about a year out from surgery. These show
excellent alignment of the metatarsals with the plate in place
and healed fracture lines (Fig. 17.5a–c).
• Metatarsals have a significant degree of soft tissue attach-
ments including muscles and ligaments; therefore the
degree of displacement often correlates with the severity
and energy level of the injury [4].
• Nondisplaced or minimally displaced metatarsal fractures
are generally treated nonoperatively with immobilization
and unloading of the metatarsals for 4–6 weeks. Unloading
options will be determined by the patient’s level of com-
fort and can range from compressive wraps to a short leg
cast, but more commonly a hard soled shoe or a walking
boot is utilized [4].
• Sagittal plane displacement may lead to malunion and
metatarsalgia, particularly from prominent metatarsal
heads. Transverse plane displacement and malunion may
lead to symptomatic interdigital nerve compression or
may disrupt the integrity of the forefoot arch, limiting
activity [1–5]. This is reflected in general operative indica-
tions of sagittal malalignment greater than 10° or 3–4 mm
of displacement in any plane [2, 3].
• Closed reduction and pinning are typically done with ret-
rograde technique. In order to avoid rebound toe dorsi-
flexion, it is recommended to insert the pin through a
plantarflexed proximal phalanx rather than the distal
metatarsal. This method may lead to metatarsophalangeal
stiffness, but it will prevent a dorsiflexion contracture at
that joint [3].
• Antegrade pinning is an alternative option. This can be
accomplished with a prebent wire to aid in reduction. The
advantages are less stiffness at the metatarsophalangeal
joint and earlier weight bearing (because the pins exit the
skin dorsally rather than plantar). The prebent pin can
pierce osteoporotic bone or patients with narrow medul-
lary canals [5].
• Open reduction internal fixation with a plate, when com-
pared to pinning, is associated with greater stability, less
joint stiffness, and no pin site complications [4]. There are
low rates of incisional complications. In open cases, strip-

ping of tissue can lead to devascularization. At times, as in
the above case, one may be limited by the amount of avail-
able bone stock, and open reduction internal fixation may
not even be an option [5].
• Despite the method of fixation, most metatarsal fractures
lead to acceptable outcomes [5].
References
1. Sanders R, Papp S. Fractures of the midfoot and forefoot. In:
Mann RA, Coughlin MJ, editors. Surgery of the foot and ankle.
8th ed. St Louis: Mosby; 2006. p. 2215–9.
2. Fetzer GB, Wright RW. Metatarsal shaft fractures and fractures of
the proximal fifth metatarsal. Clin Sports Med. 2006;25(1):139–50.
3. Rammelt S, Heineck J, Zwipp H. Metatarsal fractures. Injury.
2004;35(Suppl 2):SB77–86.
4. Richter M, Kwon JY, DiGiovanni CW. Foot injuries. In: Browner
BD, Jupiter JB, Krettek C, Anderson PA, editors. Skeletal trauma:
basic science, management and reconstruction. 5th ed.
Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2015. p. 2347–63.
5. Kim HN, Park YJ, Kim GL, Park YW. Closed antegrade intra-
medullary pinning for reduction and fixation of metatarsal frac-
tures. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2012;51(4):445–9.
Chapter 18
Calcaneus Malunion
with Subtalar Fusion (Bone
Block Arthrodesis)
Selene G. Parekh and Rajiv Shah
Case Presentation
A 35-year-old male anesthetist fell from height 7 years ago.

He sustained an intra-articular fracture of the right calcaneus.
He was treated conservatively with a short leg cast for
6 weeks followed by mobilization. The patient had progres-
sively worsening pain, swelling, and disfigurement in the
ankle with a limp. He specifically complained of difficulty
S.G. Parekh, M.D., M.B.A. (*)

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical
Center, Durham, NC, USA
R. Shah, M.S. (Ortho)
Department of Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics, Sunshine Global
Hospitals, Vadodara, India

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_18,
184 S.G. Parekh and R. Shah
Figure 18.1
Standing clini-
cal picture of a
patient show-
ing broadened
right heel posi-
tioned in more
valgus than left
heel
with pain on walking on uneven grounds. His standing clinical

picture from behind showed broadening, shortening, and val-
gus positioning of the right heel (Fig. 18.1).
Radiological Evaluation
Weight-bearing ankle and foot series X-rays were taken. The
lateral film demonstrated shortening of the calcaneus, subta-
lar arthritis, and posterior exostosis from malunited calca-
neus. The talus was dorsiflexed in the ankle mortise (Fig. 18.2).
Comparative axial views were taken to judge the amount of
heel shortening, broadening, and positioning of the heel. The
heel was positioned in more valgus than the opposite side
(Fig. 18.3).
Chapter 18. Calcaneus Malunion with Subtalar Fusion 185
Figure 18.2 The

lateral radiograph
of the right heel
showing subtalar
arthritis (orange
arrow) and poste-
rior exostosis
(yellow arrow).
Note that talus is
also dorsiflexed
in the ankle mor-
tise (black lines)
Figure 18.3 Comparative axial views of both the heels showing

broadening (orange lines) and shortening (yellow lines) of the right
heel with a valgus position (black lines)
Treatment
Surgery was planned after preoperative medical clearance. At
surgery it was planned to perform a subtalar fusion with dis-
traction bone grafting to treat the subtalar arthritis as well as
the widening and shortening of the heel. The ipsilateral iliac
crest was selected for tricortical bone graft harvesting. Bone
graft placement was planned in such a manner to increase the
height of posterior subtalar joint to address the talar dorsiflex-
ion. The correction of the valgus heel was accomplished by
carrying out generous soft-tissue releases and strategical shap-
ing and placing of the bone graft. The lateral and posterior
exostectomy was also planned together with these surgical
procedures. The logic was to target all the pain-generating ele-
ments of the calcaneus malunion. The valgus positioning of
heel was thought to get corrected by the generous release. If
not able, a calcaneal osteotomy would be required.
Surgical Tact
Position
The patient was placed in a lateral decubitus position with

affected lower limb facing up. Alternatively, a directly posterior
approach can be used, with the patient in a prone position. The
right limb was slightly flexed at the knee to bring the heel to the
corner of the radiolucent table. A thigh tourniquet was applied
and the ipsilateral iliac crest was also prepared (Fig. 18.4). An
image intensifier was positioned diagonally in such a manner
that an AP projection would show the lateral image of the cal-
caneus and a lateral projection would show an axial image of
the calcaneus assisted by dorsiflexion of the foot (Fig. 18.5).
Figure 18.4 The patient position at surgery. The patient lies in a

lateral decubitus position with affected limb up towards the ceiling.
The ipsilateral iliac crest is also prepared
Figure 18.5 Positions of operative personnel at surgery. Surgeon

stands at heel end of affected foot while assistant stands at the toe
end with diagonally positioned image intensifier
Approach
A lateral extensile approach based on the lateral plantar

artery was used (Fig. 18.6). The peroneals, calcaneo-fibular
ligament, and sural nerve were lifted within the flap. The flap
was handled gently with blunt skin hooks and the flap lifting
was assisted with sharp dissection. The flap was retracted with
two bent k-wires, one wire each in the anterior and posterior
talus (Fig. 18.7). The flap was kept moist with the use of a wet
gauze. This approach gave an access to the subtalar joint as
well as the posterior exostosis. This approach would also
allow for a medial calcaneal slide osteotomy, if at all it was
needed.
Figure 18.6 The

lateral extensile
approach
Figure 18.7
Positioning of
two k-wires for
retraction of the
flap
Exostectomy
Exposure with extension of the proximal limb and retraction

of the Achilles allowed for complete visualization of the lateral
as well as posterior exostosis (Fig. 18.8). The lateral wall exos-
tosis was resected flush with the lateral talar wall. With the heel
in plantarflexion, the tendoachilles was retracted posteriorly
and all prominent bone in front of it was excised taking care of
not entering into the posterior subtalar joint (Fig. 18.9).
Fluoroscopic imaging was used to verify the adequacy of this
bone removal. The excised bone was preserved for utilization
as bone graft in the subtalar distraction arthrodesis.
Figure 18.8
Demonstration
of the lateral wall
exostosis (white
arrow) and pos-
terior wall exos-
tosis (yellow
circle)
Figure 18.9
Excision and
removal of
posterior exos-
tosis
Fusion and Fixation
Meticulous preparation of the subtalar joint articulating sur-
faces must be performed. The articular cartilage is denuded
up to bleeding subchondral bone with curettes, osteotomes,
or a saw. Infrequently, a burr is used, but care is taken to irri-
gate the burr to avoid any thermal necrosis of the bone.
Visualization of the flexor hallucis longus marks the comple-
tion of joint preparation medially. This was followed by drill-
ing of the subchondral bone and feathering of the articular
margins to increase the bleeding bone surface area. Once the
joint is prepared and mobilized, a laminar spreader in the
joint, or a pin distraction, can help in distracting the joint and
restoring the talar declination angle. An image is checked
with the distracted lamina spreader to get a precise idea
about restoration of heel height. After release of soft tissues,
the subtalar joint and the heel could easily be manipulated
out of gross valgus to neutral obviating the need for a medial
slide calcaneal osteotomy. The graft size was measured. An
adequately sized iliac crest bone graft was harvested and
crafted to fit in the space created. The bone graft was posi-
tioned in the subtalar joint in such a manner that the poste-
rior heel height could be restored, the hindfoot could be put
out of valgus, and the talar declination angle could be
improved. Additional cancellous graft from the iliac crest and
from the excised bone was packed into the fusion site. At this
stage, soft tissue-retracting k-wires were removed and flap
closure assessment was done.
Guide wires for large cannulated screws were passed from
the non-weight-bearing area of the heel up towards the talar
neck in parallel fashion. These wires were placed medially
and laterally under axial view guidance. Fluoroscopy was
used to confirm their correct positioning followed by place-
ment of 6.5–7.0 mm cannulated cancellous screws. After final
image check with AP, lateral, axial, and Broden images, clo-
sure was performed. The flap was closed in two layers over a
drain and compression dressings with plaster splintage were
applied (Fig. 18.10).
Figure 18.10 Lateral and axial postoperative image at the end of

5 months
Postoperative Plan
Sutures were removed between the 10th and 14th days and a
below-the-knee cast was continued for a total of 4–6 weeks.
The first radiological assessment was done at first visit, and
another at the 6 weeks. The patient was allowed full weight
bearing at the end of 8–10 weeks, in a boot, once enough bone
was visualized on radiographs. Solid fusion is typically
achieved 3–6 months after the surgery.
Outcome
The patient was relieved of anterior as well as subfibular
pain. His plantarflexion was nearly normal with approxi-
mately 5° of dorsiflexion. There was a noticeable reduction in
his limp and he could do all activities of his daily routine at
the end of 3 months.
Subtalar distraction arthrodesis is known to provide high

fusion rates and pain relief (Jackson JB 3rd, Jacobson L,
Banerjee R, Nickisch F. Foot Ankle Clin. 2015 Jun;20(2):335–
51. doi: 10.1016/j.fcl.2015.02.004. Epub 2015 Apr 11.
Distraction subtalar arthrodesis.; Subtalar Distraction
Arthrodesis with Fresh Frozen Femoral Neck Allograft: A
Retrospective Case Series. Monaco SJ, Brandao RA, Manway
JM, Burns PR. Foot Ankle Spec. 2016 Jul 1). A variety of
distraction materials can be used, ranging from autograft,
allograft, and even tantalum wedges successfully (Isolated
Subtalar Distraction Arthrodesis Using Porous Tantalum: A
Pilot Study. Papadelis EA, Karampinas PK, Kavroudakis E,
Vlamis J, Polizois VD, Pneumaticos SG. Foot Ankle Int. 2015
Sep;36(9):1084–8). Minor wound complications are common;
however significant improvement in patient outcomes scores
can be expected (Foot (Edinb). 2013 Mar;23(1):39–44. doi:
10.1016/j.foot.2012.10.004. Epub 2012 Nov 21.
The subtalar distraction bone block arthrodesis following
the late complications of calcaneal fractures: a systematic
review. Schepers T.)
• Calcaneal malunion cases present with a constellation of
multiple problems with pain being the most common com-
plaint [1–3]. Direct involvement of the subtalar and calca-
neocuboid joints will lead to painful arthritis of both of
these joints [1, 2]. Ankle joint may be secondarily involved
due to a dorsiflexed talus in the ankle mortise leading to
painful anterior ankle impingement and ankle arthrosis at
a later date [1]. The calcaneus, being a subcutaneous bone,
is surrounded by many important structures. Laterally,
these include the peronei. Medially, there is the tendon of
the flexor halluces and digitorum longus and branches of
the posterior tibial nerve. Posteriorly there is the attach-
ment of the Achilles tendon, while inferiorly, there is the
heel fat pad. Malunions of the calcaneus with displaced
bony fragments will generate secondary pressure effects

on these surrounding structures like tendons, ligaments,
and nerves leading to tenosynovitis, tendonitis, or tears of
tendons and compressive neuropathy of adjacent nerves
[1]. The sural and posterior tibial nerve may suffer traction
or compression injuries in cases of calcaneal malunions [3].
In any given case of a calcaneal malunion, combinations of
these malunion elements may be present. With the help of
clinical as well as radiological examinations, the clinician
should aim to find out every such pain-generating element
(pain generators). Diagnostic injections in and around
joints, nerves, and tendons could help in differentiating
pain generators. These injections may be ultrasound
guided or image guided.
• In the present case, pain generators included subtalar
arthritis, posterior and lateral exostosis, talar dorsiflexion,
heel shortening, and heel valgus. Hence surgery was
planned to address each of these.
• As a routine practice, at the end of clinical and radiological
evaluations, authors formulate a ten-point checklist which
essentially guides towards precise planning of treatment.
These ten checklist points are as follows:
–– Duration of malunion
–– Prior treatment
–– Position of previous scars
–– Presence of implants
–– Pressure areas and problems: Medial/lateral/posterior/
plantar
–– Joint status: Calcaneocuboid/subtalar/talonavicular/
ankle
–– Deformities: Forefoot/midfoot/hind foot
–– Status of tendons: TP/FHL/tendoachilles
–– Nerve pressure: Sural/posterior tibial/others
–– Quality of bone
• The treatment plan for calcaneus malunion is comprised
of four major decisions:
–– Approach and incisions
–– Soft tissue procedures
–– Bony procedures
–– Order and staging of procedures
• Approach and incision: For dealing with cases with a large
lateral wall exostosis and big shortening correction, the
lateral extensile approach is preferred. Moreover, the abil-
ity to perform a calcaneal osteotomy can be conducted
with this approach. In cases where closure difficulties are
anticipated, a posterior or posterolateral approach may be
preferred over the extensile lateral approach [4]. A mini-
mally invasive sinus tarsi approach may be tried in selected
cases with minimal shortening and the absence of defor-
mity. In cases where a medial wall exostosis is present,
signs and symptoms of secondary tarsal tunnel compres-
sion may be experienced. A separate medial approach may
be required (Fig. 18.11) to decompress the nerve. The
extensile lateral approach more often than not is adequate
Figure 18.11
Calcaneus mal-
union case with
medial exostosis
and impingement
which required
separate medial
approach
Figure 18.12
Case of plantar
exostosis which
required direct
plantar
approach for
excision
for excision of the plantar exostosis. Very rarely is a sepa-

rate plantar approach needed for excision of such plantar
exostosis (Fig. 18.12).
• Soft tissue procedures: Very few malunion cases can easily
be managed by lateral wall decompression alone. Soft tis-
sue procedures, in the form of a tendon release, tenosyno-
vectomy, nerve release, neurectomy, or nerve burial may
be required as well [5]. Cases with the late effects of com-
partment syndrome in the form of claw toes would also
need reconstructive procedures. In many cases, a triple
hemi section lengthening of tendoachilles may be needed.
• Bony procedures: Bony procedures could be either joint
sparing or joint sacrificing. An osteotomy below the subta-
lar joint, with correction of the heel height, can be used in
mild cases with little or no arthritis and will spare the sub-
talar joint [6]. Excision of isolated exostosis is another
joint-sparing procedure for extra-articualr malunion cases
[7]. Fusion of affected joints is the ultimate joint-sacrific-

ing procedure. Fusions may be done in situ, in distraction
with a bone block, and with the aid of corrective osteoto-
mies [6, 7]. Romash described a corrective osteotomy
through the original fracture with a subtalar fusion result-
ing in successful results [8]. A vertical slide osteotomy was
described for cases where impingement of malleoli was
found due to heel shortening. This osteotomy would not
correct talar inclination and will not relieve anterior ankle
impingement symptoms [9]. A fusion of the subtalar joint
and tendoachilles lengthening is done in conjunction with
this osteotomy [10] leading to an estimated 91% excellent
results by Huang et al. [10]. Bone graft harvesting and
arthrodesis and arthroplasty for claw toes are other exam-
ples of bony procedures.
• Order and staging of procedures: An osteotomy for cor-
rection of heel varus or valgus must follow joint prepara-
tion. Fixation of the osteotomy must precede the fusion
procedure or be incorporated in the construct [9]. A plan-
tar exostectomy must precede fixation. Medial exostec-
tomy and decompression can be performed after the
fusion procedures, as it requires turning the patient in a
supine position. Reconstructive soft tissue and bony pro-
cedures for the midfoot and forefoot may be staged for
another surgical sitting.
• Lui described the arthroscopic management of the late
sequelae of calcaneal malunions. Procedures include the
release of the calcaneo-fibular impingement, release of the
calcaneocuboid impingement, and release of the posterior
tendoachilles impingement with two- or three-portal
endoscopy [11, 12]. Joint procedures include arthroscopic
subtalar and calcaneocuboid fusions as well as arthrolysis
of the subtalar joint for stiffness without arthritis. These
are symptom-specific procedures and accurate diagnosis
would only yield good end results. These technically
demanding procedures do have a learning curve and limi-
tations in cases with gross deformities [11].
References
1. Nickisch F, Anderson RB. Post-calcaneus fracture reconstruc-
tion. Foot Ankle Clin. 2006;11:85–103.
2. Pier CP, Enrico P, Paola A. Treatment of late complications of
intra-
articular calcaneal fractures. Clin Podiatr Med Surg.
2006;23:355–74.
3. Verrabdhadra R, Tomiko F, Amy JP. Calcaneus malunion and
non-union. Foot Ankle Clin. 2007;12:125–35.
4. Myerson M, Quill G Jr. Late complications of fractures of the
calcaneus. J Bone Joint Surg. 1993;75A(3):331–41.
5. Garras DN, Santangelo JR, Wang DW, Easley ME. Subtalar dis-
traction using interpositional frozen structural allograft. Foot
Ankle Int. 2008;29:561–72.
6. Stephens H, Sanders R. Calcaneal malunions: results of prognos-
tic computed tomography classification system. Foot Ankle Int.
1996;17(7):395–401.
7. Braley WG, Bishop JO, Tullos HS. Lateral decompression for
malunited os calcis fractures. Foot Ankle. 1985;6(2):90–6.
8. Clare MP, Lee WE 3rd, Sanders RW. Intermediate to long term
results of a treatment protocol for calcaneus fracture malunions.
J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87(5):963–73.
9. Guang-Rong Y, Sun-Jun HU, Yang Y-F, Zhao H-M, Zhang
S-M. Reconstruction of calcaneus fracture malunion with oste-
otomy and subtalar joint salvage: technique and outcomes. Foot
Ankle Int. 2013;34:726–32.
10. Romash MM. Reconstructive osteotomy of the calcaneus with
subtalar arthrodesis for malunited calcaneal fractures. Clin
Orthop Relat Res. 1993;(290):157–67.
11. Huang PJ, YC F, Cheng YM, Lin SY. Subtalar arthrodesis for late
sequelae of calcaneal fractures: fusion in situ versus fusion with
sliding corrective osteotomy. Foot Ankle Int. 1999;20(3):166–70.
12. Lui TH. Posterior ankle impingement syndrome caused by mal-
union of joint depressed type calcaneal fracture. Knee Surg
Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2008;16:687–9.
Chapter 19
Nail Plate Combination
(NPC) Treatment
for Infected, Charcot Ankle
Fracture Malunion
Nicole M. Stevens, Richard S. Yoon, and Frank A. Liporace
Case Presentation
This is a 56-year-old female with past medical history signifi-

cant for diabetes mellitus that sustained a trip and fall from
standing height. Prior to her injury, she walked at baseline
with a rolling walker. She is an insulin-dependent diabetic
with poor control (last Hemoglobin A1c: 9.3) and bilateral
peripheral neuropathy at baseline.
Initial Injury films (Fig. 19.1a–c) exhibit a left trimalleolar
ankle fracture.
Initial Management and Treatment Course Until Malunion:
Definitive fixation was performed on post-injury day 4, when
N.M. Stevens, M.D.

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, NYU Hospital for Joint
Diseases, 301 E 17th Street, Suite 1402, New York, NY, USA
R.S. Yoon, M.D. • F.A. Liporace, M.D. (*)
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jersey City Medical Center—
RWJBarnabas Health, 355 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_19,
200 N.M. Stevens et al.
a b c
Figure 19.1 (a) AP, (b) mortise, and (c) lateral radiographs of initial
unstable trimalleolar ankle fracture
a b c
Figure 19.2 (a) AP, (b) mortise, and (c) lateral intraoperative fluo-
roscopy of primary fixation showing a bridge plate spanning the
comminuted fibula fracture and an anti-glide plate reducing the
medial malleolus
the soft tissues were deemed amenable to surgery. Patient

underwent uneventful open reduction and fixation (ORIF)
of both the fibular and medial malleolus. Intraoperatively, a
vertical extension of the medial malleolar fracture was identi-
fied, and thus, an anti-glide construct was used with a plate;
intraoperative external rotation stress was negative
(Fig. 19.2a–c). The patient tolerated her surgery well and was
discharged to a skilled nursing facility on postoperative day 3.
The patient returned for her first postoperative visit at the
3-week time-point, when her wounds were healed and
sutures removed. At this time, she was casted with the plan of
being non-weight bearing for a minimum of 12 weeks.
However, after her first follow-up appointment, she was lost
Chapter 19. Nail Plate Combination (NPC) Treatment 201
to follow-up until the 7-month time-point and had been non-

compliant with weight bearing precautions.
Work-Up and Arriving at the Correct Diagnosis: Due to
her neuropathy, the patient experienced minimal pain and
thus was noncompliant with weight bearing precautions. She
eventually eroded through her cast, which was self-discontin-
ued at home. She returned to the office noting intermittent
warmth and swelling of her left lower extremity.
Laboratory work-up revealed a slightly elevated white
blood cell count (12.5 g/mcL, ref. range: 4.5–11.5 g/mcL) with
elevated inflammatory markers (ESR 45, ref. range 0–10;
CRP 110, ref. range 0–7). Joint aspiration confirmed suspicion
of infection with a cell count of 75 K and 92% PMNs; cultures
grew out methicillin-sensitive Staph Aureus (MSSA).
Radiographs revealed complete fixation failure of the
medial side with concomitant joint space obliteration in the
midst of an ongoing Charcot arthropathy (Fig. 19.3a–c).
Closer examination of the radiographs reveals not only a
complete loss of height (Fig. 19.3c), but also severe shorten-
ing of the entire hindfoot complex due to the bony destruc-
tion of the talus, as seen on the mortise view (Fig. B). The AP
a b c
Figure 19.3 (a) AP, (b) mortise, and (c) lateral radiographs dis-
playing failure of fixation, infected non-union, and Charcot
arthropathy, of the ankle joint 7 months after primary fixation.
The talus is obliterated, resulting in a loss of height and shorten-
ing of the hindfoot. Medialization of the hindfoot can also be
appreciated on the AP view
view (Fig. 19.3a) shows medialization of the hindfoot com-

plex in relation to the tibia further adding to the deformity.
At this juncture, this patient had an infected ankle fracture
malunion with significant deformity, namely loss of height,
hindfoot shortening, and valgus deformity.
Staged Treatment Leading Up to Definitive Surgery:
Initial treatment required urgent irrigation and debridement
(I&D), removal of hardware, placement of an antibiotic
spacer, and 6 weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. During
this initial ,debridement, care was taken to plan for the defini-
tive surgery and utilizing incisions that would be used again.
Furthermore, the goals of anatomic restoration of the defor-
mity were applied during this stage (fibular and tibial oste-
otomy through the medial malleolus). Through a direct
anterior approach, the remaining portion of the eroded
medial malleolus was resected and all necrotic, infected tissue
removed along with the hardware. A large enough antibiotic
spacer (created with vancomycin/tobramycin in a 3:2 ratio)
was made not only to restore height but overall length, which
was maintained with an antibiotic tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC)
nail prior to spacer placement (Fig. 19.4a–c). The patient
a b c
Figure 19.4 (a) AP, (b) mortise, and (c) lateral postoperative radio-
graphs displaying antibiotic coated intramedullary nail and antibi-
otic spacer with restoration of hindfoot length, limb height, and
coronal deformity
tolerated the procedure well, made non-weight bearing,

casted, and was treated with oxacillin 2 g IV q24 h for
6 weeks. Inflammatory markers down-trended during this
time period and after a 2-week antibiotic holiday, repeat joint
aspiration was negative. She was deemed to be ready for
definitive treatment.
Surgical Tact
Position: Supine, bilateral Iliac crest.
Approach: Direct anterior, Retrograde TTC nail.
Ankle and Hindfoot Fusion with Extension to the Navicular
and Iliac Crest Autograft: First, the direct anterior approach
was performed in order to remove the antibiotic cement spacer.
Care was taken to preserve the membrane that had formed
around the cement spacer and using osteotomes, the cement
spacer was carefully removed. The antibiotic rod was left in
place in order to maintain tibial-calcaneal height. Next, the
anterior-posterior shortening of the calcaneus/hindfoot com-
plex was addressed. Two large laminar spreaders were utilized
to bring out the length and c onfirmed on fluoroscopic imaging.
Provisional fixation was done using 2.0 mm Kirschner wires
placed percutaneously from distal to proximal in multiple
planes. Next, two locking midfoot fusion plates were custom
contoured to the patient’s anatomy and placed from the tibia to
the talus anterolaterally, and from the tibia to the navicular
anteromedially. Care was taken to place screws around the
antibiotic rod in order to create a corridor for the eventual TTC
nail [1–4]. With the hindfoot length addressed, attention was
turned to the tibial-calcaneal height and valgus deformity. The
custom contoured plates also functioned to temporarily hold
the extremity height—allowing removal of the antibiotic rod.
Once the antibiotic rod was removed, the remaining cartilage
and nonviable bone was excised. The bony defect was measured
and bilateral iliac crest cortical bone grafts were harvested to
adequately fill the space and provide compressive strength. The
iliac crest bone graft was wedge fit underneath the two
a b c
Figure 19.5 (a) AP, (b) mortise, and (c) lateral postoperative radio-
graphs after definitive fixation displaying intramedullary retrograde
tibiotalocalcaneal nail and two bridge plates to the navicular. The
limb height, coronal alignment, and hindfoot length are maintained
recontoured plates to avoid graft dislodgement during place-

p
ment of the TCC nail. After careful reaming, the TCC nail was
inserted next, using a calcaneal start point, thus definitively
addressing the height deformity. The nail was long enough to
surpass all previous fixation and the isthmus of the bone, to
avoid the creation of stress risers. Additionally, a 6.5 mm fully
threaded screw was placed in a retrograde fashion from the
navicular to the calcaneus around the nail to act as a post to
help maintain the restored length. Once all hardware was in
place, demineralized bone matrix, cancellous iliac crest auto-
graft, and 1 gm of vancomycin powder were used to fill the
remaining dead space. The membrane was approximated with
1-0 vicryl suture, and subsequent closure with 2-0 vicryl and 2-0
nylons for the skin was placed. The patient was placed in a cir-
cumferential negative pressure wound dressing and splinted in
neutral dorsiflexion (Fig. 19.5a–c).
Postoperative Plan: The patient remained in a short
leg splint and made non-weight bearing for a period of
12 weeks. Sutures were removed at 3 weeks. The patient’s
bony healing progressed well (6 weeks, Fig. 19.6a–c). As
noted by the broken hardware by the time of consolidation
a b c
Figure 19.6 (a) AP, (b) mortise, and (c) lateral radiographs at

6 weeks postoperatively with well-aligned hardware and mainte-
nance of reduction
a b c
Figure 19.7 (a) AP, (b) mortise, and (c) lateral radiographs at

3 months displaying ankle fusion, with acceptable alignment. Note,
the patient was likely walking on her affected extremity, indicated
by a broken plate
(12 weeks, Fig. 19.7a–c), it had been clear that she had also

been walking on the affected extremity. However with the
stability of the construct, she maintained height and length
and went onto uncomplicated fusion.
Complications: None. No plans for hardware removal.
• Rates of complications and fracture fixation failure are

high in diabetic patients—particularly among those with
neuropathy [5]. They should be closely monitored postop-
eratively and may require longer periods of protected
weight bearing, but still can fail.
• Always consider infection, and it must be ruled out prior
to the next stage of surgery. This can be accomplished
using serum WBC, ESR, CRP, aspiration cell count and
culture (following a 2-week antibiotic holiday), and gen-
eral clinical appearance.
• Plan incisions, deformity corrections, and constructs for
future definitive procedures when performing temporizing
procedures, like removal of hardware or spacer
placement.
• Using temporizing fixation to correct deformity can make
your second surgery easier.
• Additional plate fixation to maintain desired length and foot
position in relation to the tibial axis not only protects against
noncompliance but also acts as a “tension band” when
placed anteriorly counteracting the pull of the Achilles’ ten-
don, compressing the hindfoot fusion further [6].
• Be liberal with bone graft when fusing joints, remember to
prep out both iliac crests for large defects.
• Fusion of Charcot joints should extend outside the area of
Charcot arthropathy, which is why the navicular was
included in this construct.
References
1. Paola LD, Volpe A, Varotto D, Postorino A, Brocco E, Enesi A,
Merico M, de Vido D, da Ros R, Assaloni R. Use of a retrograde
nail for ankle arthrodesis in Charcot Neuroarthropathy: a limb
salvage procedure. Foot Ankle Int. 2007;28:967–70.
2. Qui GE. Reconstruction of Multiplanar ankle and Hindfoot
deformity with intramedullary techniques. Foot Ankle Clin.
2009;14:533–47.
3. Rammelt S, Pyrc J, Agren PH, Hartstock LA, Cronier P, Friscia

DA,Hansen ST,Schaser K,Ljungvist J,SandsAK. Tibiotalocalcaneal
fusion using the Hindfoot arthrodesis nail: a multicenter study.
Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34:1245–55.
4. Siebachmeyer M, Boddu K, Bilal A, Hester TW, Hardwick T, Fox
TP, Edmonds M, Kavarthapu V. Outcomes of one stage correc-
tion of deformities of the ankle and hindfoot and fusion in
Charcot neuroarthropathy using a retrograde intramedullary
hindfoot arthrodesis nail. Bone Joint J. 2015;97:76–82.
5. Wukich DK, Joseph A, Ryan M, Ramirez C, Irrgang JJ. Outcomes
of ankle fractures in patient with uncomplicated versus compli-
cated diabetes. Foot Ankle Int. 2011;32:120–30.
6. Yoon RS, Bible J, Marcus MS, Donegan DJ, Bergmann KA,
Siebler JC, Mir HR, Liporace FA. Outcomes following combined
intramedullary nail and plate fixation for complex tibia fractures:
a multicenter study. Injury. 2015;46:1097–101.
Chapter 20
Failed Syndesmotic Injury
of Ankle
J. Dheenadhayalan
Case Presentation
The patient is a 27-year-old male who sustained an injury to

his right ankle following a road traffic accident. He was
evaluated in the emergency room and was noted to have a
closed injury with no distal neurovascular deficit. His ankle
was reduced and placed in a below knee splint.
Injury Films Taken before Splinting

Injury X-rays of the ankle (Fig. 20.1—anteroposterior and
lateral views) show lateral malleolus fracture with sublux-
ation of ankle joint, transverse medial malleolus fracture, and
J. Dheenadhayalan, M.S. (Ortho)

Department of Orthopaedics, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, India

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_20,
210 J. Dheenadhayalan
Figure 20.1 Shows anteroposterior and lateral views of ankle joint.

(a). Anteroposterior view. (b). Lateral view
syndesmotic injury. Based on the Lauge Hansen classification

this was a pronation external rotation injury (PER 4).
Using the Weber classification, this would be Type C indi-
cating syndesmotic injury with the fracture of the fibula
proximal to the syndesmosis.
Operative Treatment and Timing of Surgery

These injuries are generally associated with gross swelling
and blisters may develop indicating more severe soft tissue
damage. In case of gross swelling it is safe practice to wait till
the appearance of wrinkle sign; meanwhile the joint can be
stabilized with joint spanning external fixator if needed for
stability.
However in this, the patient was seen immediately after
injury and reduced, with minimal swelling observed.
As this was an unstable ankle fracture with joint sublux-
ation, we decided to treat this fracture with open reduction and
internal fixation with fibular plate, tension band wiring for
medial malleolus, and screw fixation for syndesmotic injury [1].
Chapter 20. Failed Syndesmotic Injury of Ankle 211
Initial Surgery
• Lateral malleolus is fixed with 1/3rd tubular plate and
medial malleolus with tension band wiring.
• For the syndesmotic injury, syndesmotic screw was placed
from anterior to posterior direction.
• There is anterolateral bony fragment which was not fixed.
• Postoperative anteroposterior radiological report
(Fig. 20.2) showed syndesmotic injury that was not reduced
which can be determined by tibiofibular clear space
>5 mm, tibiofibular overlap < 10 mm, and widened medial
clear space. Therefore surgery was revised.
We believe that this was secondary to surgical error in not

recognizing and reducing the syndesmosis. The bony frag-
ment represents avulsion of the anterior tibiofibular ligament
(ATFL) and should be recognized and reduced with fixation
using a screw if the fragment is large enough.
Figure 20.2 Shows avulsion of anterior tibiofibular ligament as

evidenced by tibiofibular clear space >5 mm, tibiofibular over-
lap < 10 mm, and widened medial clear space
Also, in this case the syndesmosis screw is directed poste-

riorly likely exaggerating the mal-reduction by pushing the
fibula posteriorly.
Postoperative Radiographs After First Surgery

After discussion with the patient, a repeat surgery was
planned for reduction and fixation of the syndesmosis [2].
Surgical Technique
Position: Supine with sand bag under ipsilateral hip (Fig. 20.3).

Approach: Lateral approach over right ankle, using the distal
end of the prior incision [4].
Fracture Reduction
The hardware for fixation of the malleoli was maintained as

the fractures were deemed to be in acceptable position and
Figure 20.3
Shows supine
position with pil-
low underneath
the gluteal region
to keep the limb
in internal rota-
tion for lateral
approach of
fibula
did not interfere with syndesmotic reduction. The mal-posi-

tioned syndesmotic screw was first removed.
An incision was made along the subcutaneous border of
lateral malleolus. The syndesmosis was visualized and the
bony fragment was reduced. The piece was too small to afford
fixation; however once reduced, it was a guide to our reduc-
tion. A K-wire was used for holding the reduction of the piece
(Fig. 20.4).
Use of a pointed reduction clamp was useful to allow
reduction of the syndesmosis; care should be taken not to
mal-reduce the syndesmosis. Placing the clamp tines in the
same orientation as the syndesmosis is helpful along with
direct visualization of the same [5].
Under c arm guidance syndesmotic injury was reduced
with pointed reduction clamps with K-wire placed to hold the
fixation temporarily. Fixation was achieved with two cortical
screws with quadri-cortical purchase using 3.5 mm cortical
screws [1].
Final radiographs show syndesmotic injury was reduced
with implants in position. the reduction was confirmed by
observing the tibiofibular overlap of >6mm and medial clear
space of <4mm.(Figs. 20.4 and 20.5).
Figure 20.4 Shows that reduction is achieved after removal of the

avulsed fragment, tibiofibular clear space, and overlap found to be
in normal limits
Figure 20.5
Shows a repre-
sentative
radiograph of
tibiofibular
overlap normal
value >10mm
(red line) and
tibiofibular
clear space
normal value
<5mm (yellow
line)
Intraoperative Pictuires
Postoperative Plan
A below knee slab was placed for 6 weeks for the fracture to
heal. The patient was allowed to do non-weight bearing dur-
ing this time period.
After that the patient will be allowed to do partial and
then full weight bearing as tolerated and physiotherapy for
ankle range of motion as well.
Clinical and radiographic follow-up will be done till union,
which was achieved without any further complications.
Expected Complications
Infection, implant failure, and ankle arthritis.

• Syndesmotic injuries if diagnosed should be properly
reduced and fixed with cortical screws along with fixation
of bimalleolar fracture during surgery.
• Fixation of the fibula should be done first with one third
tubular plate and the medial malleolus fixation with ten-
sion band wiring and K-wires or malleolar screws.
• Syndesmotic screw placement should be 2 cm above ankle
joint and screws should be directed 30° anteriorly from
fibula with ankle in neutral dorsiflexion [3] (Fig. 20.6).
Talus, is shaped like a truncated cone and is wider anteri-
orly than posteriorly. Therefore in ankle dorsiflexion, fib-
ula rotates externally through the tibiofibular syndesmosis,
to accommodate this widened anterior surface of the talar
dome.
Common errors in syndesmotic reduction are lack of rec-

ognition of the plane of the tibia-fibular joint; anterior or
posterior mal-reduction due to improper clamp placement;
incorrect screw orientation; and failure to appreciate the
reduction (tibiofibular overlap and clear space)
Figure 20.6 Posterior to anterior direction of syndesmotic screw.

After reduction of the fibula at the syndesmosis, introduce the posi-
tioning screw obliquely from posterior to anterior at an angle of
25–30° and parallel to the tibial plafond
• Postoperatively non-weight bearing with walker for first

6 weeks and then gradually to partial and full weight bear-
ing based on clinical and radiological findings.
References
1. Mosier-LaClair S, Pike H, Pomeroy G. Syndesmosis injuries:
acute, chronic, new techniques for failed management. Foot
Ankle Clin. 2002;7:551–65.
2. Parlamas G, Hannon C, Murawski G, et al. Treatment of chronic
Syndesmotic injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Knee
Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2013;21(8):1931–9.
3. www2.aofoundation.org/wps/portal/surgerymobile?contentUrl=/
srg/44/05-RedFix/Op/PosScrew/44-C2_PosScrw_2.jsp&soloState
4. Olson KM, Dairyko GH Jr, Toolan BC. Salvage of chronic insta-
bility of the syndesmosis with distal tibiofibular arthrodesis: func-
tional and radiographic results. J Bone Joint Surg Am.
2011;93(1):66–72.
5. Zamzami MM. Chronic isolated distal tibiofibular syndesmotic
disruption: diagnosis and management. Foot Ankle Surg.
2009;15:14–9.
Chapter 21
Charcot Arthropathy
Natalie R. Danna and Kenneth J. Mroczek
Case Presentation
The patient is a 52-year-old female with diabetes mellitus and

neuropathy who presents with a progressive left ankle defor-
mity over the last 2 years. She wears an Arizona brace for
support.
Examination revealed a severe varus deformity at the
ankle. She had palpable pulses and monofilament testing was
consistent with neuropathy. Laterally, a 3 cm callus was pres-
ent, but there was no ulceration or signs of infection. There
was also no erythema or warmth.
N.R. Danna, M.D.

Department of Orthopedics, NYU Langone Medical Center,
New York, NY, USA
K.J. Mroczek, M.D. (*)
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Langone
Hospital for Joint Diseases, 301 East 17th Street Suite 1616,
New York, NY, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_21,
218 N.R. Danna and K.J. Mroczek
Initial Films
Standing films of the ankle (AP, lateral, mortise) and foot
(AP, lateral, mortise) were obtained. They demonstrated a
medial dislocation of the tibiotalar joint with diffuse osteope-
nia, nearly complete osteolysis of the talus, sclerosis, and osse-
ous fragmentation (Figs. 21.1a–c and 21.2a–c).
Figure 21.1 (a–c) Initial standing films of the ankle
Figure 21.2 (a–c) Initial standing films of the foot

Chapter 21. Charcot Arthropathy 219
Treatment Considerations
Charcot neuroarthropathy occurs in patients with periph-
eral neuropathy, most commonly due to diabetes. It is a
destructive process with potentially devastating results
that can lead to significant deformity, ulceration, infection,
and even amputation [1]. Charcot is often confused with
an infection, but one must realize that an underlying
infection is relatively uncommon in a patient without an
ulcer or a history of an ulcer [2]. If concomitant osteomy-
elitis is suspected, a MRI with contrast is indicated. The
MRI will most likely show marrow edema, especially in
the acute phase, but the findings are only consistent with
osteomyelitis if there is an ulcer in communication with
the bone marrow edema.
Immobilization and offloading are the mainstays of treat-
ment in the early stages [1]. This is usually achieved with a
total contact cast or a pneumatic CAM boot [3]. Significant
activity modification should be recommended, and a period
of nonweightbearing can be considered depending on the
acuity [4]. The goal of the immobilization is to provide sup-
port so that the patient will advance from the acute fragmen-
tation phase to the consolidation phase.
If the patient progresses to the consolidation phase
without significant deformity, then a custom brace or
orthosis is recommended [3]. If they are consolidated and
have a minor deformity with a prominence that leads to
ulceration, then an irrigation, debridement, or partial
ostectomy is recommended [4]. A course of culture-
specific antibiotics should also be administered postoper-
atively. If the ulceration is located on the plantar surface,
then the patient should be examined for an equinus con-
tracture and an Achilles lengthening should be performed
in addition to the ostectomy [1].
Patients who develop significant deformities require

corrective fusions. If there is an infection or ulceration,
then external fixation should be utilized. In all other cases,
internal fixation is the best option since it is biomechani-
cally stronger. A standard tibiotalar fusion is usually not
possible due to extensive bony destruction with avascular-
ity or necrosis common, particularly of the talus. As a
result, the surgeon must be ready to extend the fusion to
the calcaneus. Extending the fusion across the subtalar
joint may also allow for stronger fixation and lessen the
chance of failure. If the talus is completely necrotic, then
a talectomy is indicated, and a tibiocalcaneal fusion would
be performed [5]. Moreover, the degree of deformity may
require extending to a tibiotalocalcaneal or even a panta-
lar fusion. The fixation can be performed using plates,
cannulated screws, or an intramedullary nail. A combina-
tion of these fixation methods can also be utilized and is
at the discretion of the surgeon. Regardless of the choice
of fixation, more fixation than usual is recommended due
to the poor quality of bone and possibility of hardware
failure.
Patients must understand the severity of their condi-
tion and adhere to the prescribed postoperative protocol.
In many cases, the patient may be nonweightbearing for
2–3 months. Strict glycemic control is advised. The cessa-
tion of smoking is mandatory. Realistic expectations and
the possibility of a permanent brace must be discussed
with the patient. Lastly, the possibility of failure and the
need for amputation should also be addressed with the
patient.
Surgical Tact
The patient underwent talectomy and tibiocalcaneal fusion
with plate fixation. The fusion was supplemented with iliac
crest aspirate, distal fibula autologous bone graft, and an
implantable bone stimulator (Fig. 21.3a–c).
Figure 21.3 (a–c) Immediate postoperative films
Technique Specifics
The patient was placed in a semilateral decubitus position on a

beanbag for the procedure, with the mini C-arm positioned on
the ipsilateral side. The ankle was accessed laterally, through a
lateral extensile approach. In this case, the majority of the talus
was fragmented and eroded, so the devitalized bone was
excised, leaving the tibia directly opposed to the calcaneus. The
tibial and calcaneal surfaces were prepared with a sagittal saw.
Two 8.0 mm crossed cannulated screws were used to achieve
compression across the fusion mass. An (Integra Advansys)
tibiocalcaneal plate was placed and fixed laterally. An excised
segment of the fibula was morselized for bone graft and satu-
rated with concentrated iliac crest bone marrow aspirate.
Postoperative Plan
The patient was made nonweightbearing in a short-leg cast
for a period of 12 weeks. At this time, consolidation of the
fusion mass was seen (Fig. 21.4a–c). Then the patient was
made weightbearing as tolerated in a total contact cast for an
additional 2 months before transitioning to a Charcot restraint
Figure 21.4 (a–c) 12-week postoperative films
Figure 21.5 (a–c) 15-month postoperative films showing consolida-

tion of the fusion and preserved alignment
orthotic walker (CROW) boot. At 15 months postoperatively,

the patient continued to do well, with preserved alignment
and fusion mass consolidation (Fig. 21.5a–c).
• Goal of treatment: a stable limb that allows ambulation.
• Significant deformities require corrective fusions.
• Utilize more fixation than typical for nondiabetic/Charcot

fusions.
• Be prepared to extend fusion to calcaneus.
• Progress slowly and recommend bracing with a CROW
boot for at least 6 months as protection.
References
1. Blume PA, Sumpio B, Schmidt B, Donegan R. Charcot neuroar-
thropathy of the foot and ankle: diagnosis and management strat-
egies. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2014;31(1):151–72.
2. Ramanujam CL, Stapleton JJ, Zgonis T. Diabetic charcot neuro-
arthropathy of the foot and ankle with osteomyelitis. Clin Podiatr
Med Surg. 2014;31(4):487–92.
3. La Fontaine J, Lavery L, Jude E. Current concepts of Charcot
foot in diabetic patients. Foot (Edinb). 2016;26:7–14.
4. Trepman E, Nihal A, Pinzur MS. Current topics review: Charcot
neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle. Foot Ankle Int.
2005;26(1):46–63.
5. Stapleton JJ, Zgonis T. Concomitant osteomyelitis and avascular
necrosis of the talus treated with talectomy and tibiocalcaneal
arthrodesis. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2013;30(2):251–6.
Chapter 22
Post-traumatic Ankle
Arthropathy Treated
with Arthrodesis
Matthew S. MacDougall, Daniel J. Gittings, and Jaimo Ahn
Clinical History
A 46-year-old man with a history of a traumatic ankle injury
30 years ago presented to the office with waxing and waning
left ankle pain and discomfort. Over the previous year, his
pain had substantially worsened. His symptoms include a
grinding sensation and increased difficulty walking on a daily
basis with pain affecting the medial, lateral, and anterior
aspect of the ankle. He had no motor or sensory deficit. He
was able to walk a few blocks despite the pain before needing
M.S. MacDougall, M.S.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University
of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
D.J. Gittings, M.D. • J. Ahn, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. (*)
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA, USA

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5_22,
226 M.S. MacDougall et al.
to stop with intermittent use of an ankle gauntlet-type brace

and cane. Radiographs demonstrated post-traumatic degen-
erative changes of the left ankle joint.
Injury Films
Treatment Considerations
The patient had a history of ankle trauma as a teenager and

ankle pain over the course of 30 years. His clinical history and
radiographs were consistent with post-traumatic ankle arthri-
tis in the setting of chronic ankle instability (Fig. 22.1). Given
the long clinical course and increasing difficulty with walking,
the primary goal was to restore a painless ankle. Given the
patient’s young age, activity level, and localized pain, he
elected to undergo treatment with tibiotalar arthrodesis.
Tibiotalar arthrodesis was the chosen treatment because of
the procedure’s ability to improve pain and to maintain
Figure 22.1 Preoperative (a) anterior-posterior, (b) mortise, and

(c) lateral radiographs of the left ankle demonstrated post-trau-
matic degenerative changes including joint space narrowing and
sclerosis along with anterior subluxation of the talus and, addi-
tionally, soft tissue calcification
Chapter 22. Post-traumatic Ankle Arthropathy Treated 227
durable functional motion through adjacent joints. Tibiotalar

arthrodesis benefits from high success rates, and low rates of
reoperation [1–12]. For this case, in order to allow extensile
access to the joint (including calcifications), medial and lat-
eral approaches with osteotomies of the fibula and medial
malleolus were utilized.
Surgical Tact
Position: The patient was placed in a supine position with a

bump under the left ipsilateral hip to internally rotate the
ankle to assist in exposure of the lateral ankle.
Approach and osteotomy: First, an incision was made on
the lateral aspect of the ankle superficial to the fibula curving
anteriorly toward the fourth ray at the tip of the fibula. Sharp
dissection was taken to the level of the fascia. The fascia over-
lying the fibula was incised and continued distally past the tip
of the fibula providing access to the tibiotalar articulation,
the proximal talus, and the sinus tarsi.
A distal fibula osteotomy was then performed, approxi-
mately 4 cm proximal to the distal tip of the fibula. The cut
edge was beveled and some of the excised fibula was saved
for later placement as local bone graft. Utilizing lateral and
medial exposures, Kirschner wires were placed parallel to the
joint in the AP view and perpendicular to the long axis of the
tibia on the lateral view to guide the joint preparation.
Osteotomy was utilized to remove the damaged cartilage and
subchondral bone in linear planes on AP and lateral views for
both the talus and distal tibia to allow for arthrodesis without
shear planes despite some anterior bone loss.
The medial malleolus was then osteotomized and removed
to allow for better joint access, to decrease increased promi-
nence from shortening of the tibio-calcaneal distance, and to
ensure relief of medial arthritic pain. The combination of
bone cuts allowed neutral dorsiflexion, neutral coronal bal-
ance (Note: 5° of valgus is often stated to be acceptable or
desirable), and slight external rotation.
Fixation: After verification of alignment and rotation

using fluoroscopy, position was maintained by the place-
ment of three guide wires (Fig. 22.2a). Two guide wires
were placed through the talus, and into the distal tibia. The
third guide wire was placed from the distal tibia into the
talus. (Note: The sometimes recommended screw place-
ment that we did not use for this case is directed proximal-
posterior in the tibia to distal-anterior into the talar head.)
Near cortices were predrilled and cannulated cancellous
screws were placed. Placement of the first screw achieved
compression across the arthrodesis site. The two additional
screws provided additional compression, stability, and
strength. Fluoroscopy was again used to confirm desired
tibiotalar alignment and position of the hardware. The
wounds were copiously irrigated with sterile saline and
closed in a layered fashion over a drain.
Figure 22.2 (a) Intraoperative fluoroscopic AP radiograph of the

left ankle showing K-wire placement for cannulated screws. (b and
c) AP and lateral radiographs of the left ankle immediately postop-
eratively demonstrating functional alignment and fixation of the
tibiotalar joint
Postoperative Plan
Sterile dressings were applied and final plain radiographic
images were taken (Fig. 22.2b, c). A splint was then applied for
2 weeks for soft tissue protection. The patient’s activity status
was recommended to be non-weight-bearing until wounds
were healed and followed by touch-down weight-bearing until
6 weeks after surgery (with radiographic verification of main-
tained alignment) and finally full weight-bearing at 3 months.
Protective CAM boot was utilized until pain free weight-bear-
ing had been achieved just prior to 4 months after surgery.
Outcome
The patient’s 16-month postoperative radiographs are shown

in Fig. 22.3, which demonstrated consolidated tibiotalar
fusion in functional alignment without hardware complica-
tion. Functionally, he completed a course of physical therapy
during which he successfully advanced to full weight-bearing
activity with no residual ankle pain and no visible limp with
walking at up to moderate speeds.
Figure 22.3 (a–c) 16-month postoperative AP, mortise, and lateral

radiographs of the left ankle showing union of the tibiotalar joint
• Trauma is the most common cause of ankle arthritis (70%)
with the following types of injury being the most common:
rotational fractures, recurrent ankle instability, and single
ligamentous sprains with continued pain [13].
• Important determinants of surgical decision-making are
the patient’s pain, anatomy, and functional disability.
• Tibiotalar arthrodesis is indicated for post-traumatic ankle
arthritis because of the procedure’s ability to improve pain
while maintaining functional motion through adjacent
joints, durability for active/younger patients, high success
rates, and low rates of reoperation [1–12].
• While tibiotalar arthrodesis is the gold standard for treat-
ment of tibiotalar arthritis, total ankle replacement may be
considered in patients with low functional demand and
interest in attempted preservation of some tibiotalar
motion [14].
• For successful tibiotalar arthrodesis to be achieved, the sur-
geon must consider the necessary soft tissue approach(es),
bony access, strategy for joint preparation, fixation, and
postoperative rehabilitation.
• The lateral, trans-fibular approach with an accessory
medial trans-malleolar osteotomy is a highly versatile
approach, but anterior, posterolateral, arthroscopic com-
bined with percutaneous, and mini-open (smaller antero-
medial and anterolateral) approaches may also be used
[15].
• The optimal alignment of the ankle is neutral dorsiflexion,
0–5° of valgus, and rotation equal to or slightly externally
rotated relative to the contralateral ankle [14].
• The type of internal fixation chosen may depend on ankle
anatomy, deformity, and the amount of strength needed, but
3-screw fixation is associated with short time until union, low
nonunion risk (5.6%), and minimal implant imprint [16].
• Plate or nail fixation is also reasonable as options to
stabilize the arthrodesis until fusion is achieved and both
provide greater construct strength than screws alone.
However, plates typically require greater soft tissue

exposure and nails (with retrograde insertion) must also
involve the subtalar joint; and both will typically leave a
larger metallic surgical footprint.
• For long-term rehabilitation, patients must be advised of
the likelihood of midfoot arthritis.
References
1. Ahlberg A, Henricson AS. Late results of ankle fusion. Acta
Orthop Scand. 1981;52:103–5.
2. Anderson JG, Coetzee JC, Hansen ST. Revision ankle fusion
using internal compression arthrodesis with screw fixation. Foot
Ankle Int. 1997;18:300–9.
3. Buchner M, Sabo D. Ankle fusion attributable to posttraumatic
arthrosis: a long-term followup of 48 patients. Clin Orthop Relat
Res. 2003:155–64.
4. Cobb TK, Gabrielsen TA, Campbell DC 2nd, Wallrichs SL,
Ilstrup DM. Cigarette smoking and nonunion after ankle
arthrodesis. Foot Ankle Int. 1994;15:64–7.
5. Fitzgibbons TC. Arthroscopic ankle debridement and fusion:
indications, techniques, and results. Instr Course Lect.
1999;48:243–8.
6. Jackson A, Glasgow M. Tarsal hypermobility after ankle fusion-
-fact or fiction? J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1979;61-b:470–3.
7. Kats J, van Kampen A, de Waal-Malefijt MC. Improvement in
technique for arthroscopic ankle fusion: results in 15 patients.
Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2003;11:46–9.
8. Kollig E, Esenwein SA, Muhr G, Kutscha-Lissberg F. Fusion of
the septic ankle: experience with 15 cases using hybrid external
fixation. J Trauma. 2003;55:685–91.
9. Marcus RE, Balourdas GM, Heiple KG. Ankle arthrodesis by
chevron fusion with internal fixation and bone-grafting. J Bone
Joint Surg Am. 1983;65:833–8.
10. Marsh JL, Rattay RE, Dulaney T. Results of ankle arthrodesis
for treatment of supramalleolar nonunion and ankle arthrosis.
Foot Ankle Int. 1997;18:138–43.
11. Moran CG, Pinder IM, Smith SR. Ankle arthrodesis in rheuma-
toid arthritis. 30 cases followed for 5 years. Acta Orthop Scand.
1991;62:538–43.
12. Said E, Hunka L, Siller TN. Where ankle fusion stands today.

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1978;60-b:211–4.
13. Saltzman CL, Salamon ML, Blanchard GM, Huff T, Hayes A,
Buckwalter JA, Amendola A. Epidemiology of ankle arthritis:
report of a consecutive series of 639 patients from a tertiary
orthopaedic center. Iowa Orthop J. 2005;25:44–6.
14. Weatherall JM, Mroczek K, McLaurin T, Ding B, Tejwani

N. Post- traumatic ankle arthritis. Bull Hosp Jt Dis.
2013;71:104–12.
15. Nihal A, Gellman RE, Embil JM, Trepman E. Ankle arthrodesis.
Foot Ankle Surg. 2008;14:1–10.
16. Goetzmann T, Mole D, Jullion S, Roche O, Sirveaux F, Jacquot
A. Influence of fixation with two vs. three screws on union of
arthroscopic tibio-talar arthrodesis: comparative radiographic
study of 111 cases. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2016;102:651–6.
Index
A fracture reduction
Ankle and hindfoot fusion, 203 and fixation, 31
Ankle fracture subluxation, initial injury X-rays, 25, 26
209, 210 position, 28–30
Antegrade pinning, 180 post-operative protocol, 32
Anterior colliculus, 15 surgical approach, 29
Anterior tibiofibular ligament surgical timing, 27
(ATFL), 211 treatment considerations
Arthrodesis and planning, 26–30
fracture reduction outcome, 22
and fixation, 142 plain radiographs, 17
injury films, 138 postoperative plan, 21
outcome, 145 surgical tact, 19
position, 141 Bone block arthrodesis. See
postoperative plan, 145 Calcaneus malunion
surgical approach, 141 Bone graft, 89, 186
treatment and surgery
timing, 140
Avulsion-type fracture, 139 C
Calcaneal fracture
closure, 88
B extended lateral approach, 78, 79
Bicortical medial malleolar screw caution, 83
fixation, 23 closure, 87
Bimalleolar ankle fracture imaging, 79
fracture reduction indications, 79
and fixation, 20 landmarks and incision, 81–83
injury and post-reduction films, reduction maneuver, 83–87
18, 19 set up, 81
medial plate soft tissue management, 80
closure, 32 vascular supply, 80
follow-up and outcome, 33 reduction maneuver, 84–86

DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-60456-5
234 Index
Calcaneal tuberosity, 107 fusion, 221

Calcaneus fracture,79, 98, 101 initial films, 218
sinus tarsi position, 221
fracture reduction techniques postoperative plan, 221, 222
and fixation, 95–96 treatment, 219–220
injury films, 92 Comminuted medial malleolus
outcome, 97 fracture, –, 22, 23
postoperative plan, 96 Compartment syndrome, 121
surgical approach, 95 Cotton test, 6
treatment and surgery Cuboid fractures
timing, 93 dual incision approach, 113
position, 93 fracture reduction and fixation
tongue-type (see Tongue-type lateral column, 114–118
calcaneus fractures) medial column, 113
Calcaneus malunion postoperative plan, 118
arthroscopic management, 197 injury films, 110
bony procedures, 196 outcome, 119, 120
exostectomy, 189, 190 plate fixation options, 123
fusion and fixation, 191, 192 position, 112
k-wires, 188, 189 stress radiographs, 119
lateral extensile approach, 188 temporary fixation with external
order and staging, procedures, fixation, 120, 121
197 temporary K-wire stabilization,
outcome, 192–193 122, 123
position, 186, 187 treatment and surgery timing,
postoperative plan, 192 110
radiological evaluation,
184, 185
soft tissue procedures, 196 D
surgical approach and incision, Deep venous thromboembolism
195 prophylaxis, 118
treatment, 186, 194 Deltoid ligament, 15
Charcot ankle fracture Diabetes mellitus, 199, 217
ankle and hindfoot fusion,
203–204
diagnosis, work-up and arriving, E
201, 202, 204 Essex-Lopresti maneuver, 107
initial injury films, 199, 200 Exostectomy, 189–191
initial management and
treatment course, 199,
200 F
position, 203 Fasciotomy incisions, 122
postoperative plan, 204, 205 Fibular shaft fracture, 56, 57, 61
staged treatment leading up, 202 Fifth metatarsal fracture, 164
surgical approach, 203 fluoroscopy, 166, 167
Charcot arthropathy injury films, 164
Index 235
outcome, 170 joint instability, 157

position, 165, 166 outcomes, 159
postoperative plan, 170 plates, 153
reduction and fixation, 167–170 postoperative protocols
treatment and surgery and follow-up, 155
timing, 165 screws, 152
stress test, 157
treatment considerations
H and planning, 150–153
High fibula fracture, 74 dislocation treated with primary
Hindfoot fracture. See Calcaneal arthrodesis
fracture delayed diagnosis, 147
fracture reduction and
fixation, 142–144
I injury films, 138–140
Iliac crest autograft, 203 outcome, 145, 146
Infected ankle fracture malunion, physical examination, 138
202 position, 141
Interosseous suture techniques, 152 postoperative plan, 145
Intraoperative external rotation surgical approach,
stress test, 6, 200 141–142
treatment and surgery
timing, 140
J Lisfranc joint complex, 114
Joint depression, 91, 92 Lucency, 7
Jones fracture, 164, 165
M
K Maisonneuve fractures
K-wires, 12, 15, 31, 49, 83, 86, AP and lateral radiographs,
104, 120, 121, 188, 189, 54–57
215 rehabilitation, 60, 61, 66
stress radiographs, 64
syndesmotic fixation, plate
L diagnostic testing and
Lag-screw fixation, 5, 19, 85 treatment, 70, 71
Lamina spreader, 89 injury films, 69, 70
Lateral malleolus fracture, 2, 3, 7, 8 outcomes, 74
Lisfranc fracture postoperative plan, 73, 74
dislocation treated with ORIF, reduction and internal
150 fixation, 72, 73
interosseous suture surgery timing, 71
techniques, 152 surgical intervention, 72
intraoperative tips and tricks treatment, 57–60, 64
for reduction fixation, Medial clear space, –, 2, 4, 64, 70,
153–155 211, 213
236 Index
Medial malleolus fracture, 26 N

absence of, 61 Nail plate combination (NPC)
classification, 14, 15 technique, Charcot ankle
imaging examinations, 54 fracture
injury films, 11, 12 ankle and hindfoot fusion,
outcome, 14 203–204
post-operative plan, 14 diagnosis, work-up and arriving,
surgical tact, 12, 13 201, 202, 204
treatment and surgery timing, 11 initial injury films, 199, 200
Medial trans-malleolar osteotomy, initial management and
230 treatment course, 199,
Medial plate, bimalleolar ankle 200
fracture position, 203
closure, 32 postoperative plan, 204, 205
follow-up and outcome, 33 staged treatment leading
fracture reduction and fixation, up, 202
31 surgical approach, 203
initial injury X-rays, 25, 26 Navicular fractures, 110, 114
position, 28–30 midfoot injury, 129
post-operative protocol, 32 fracture reduction and
surgical approach, 29 fixation, 132, 133
surgical timing, 27 injury films, 130, 131
treatment considerations and outcome, 132, 133
planning, 26–30 position and approach,
Metatarsal fracture, 163 131–132
base fracture, 110, 113, 115 postoperative plan, 132
fixed with plates/wires treatment and surgery
operative events, 176 timing, 131
operative planning, 175–176 posterior ipsilateral hip
outcome, 179 dislocation, 125
postoperative plan, 177–179 dorsomedial incision, 127
trauma, 173, 174 fracture reduction and
treated with intramedullary fixation, 127, 128
screw fixation (see Fifth injury films, 125, 126
metatarsal fracture) internal fixation and surgery
Metatarsal shaft, 176 timing, 126
Midfoot injury, 129 outcome, 129
fracture reduction and fixation, position, 127
132 postoperative plan, 128
injury films, 130 Neuropathy, 194, 201, 217, 219
outcome, 132 Nutcracker fractures, 113–118
position and approach, 131 dual incision approach, 113
postoperative plan, 132 fracture reduction and fixation
treatment and surgery timing, lateral column, 114–118
131 medial column, 113
Multiple metatarsal fractures, 176 postoperative plan, 118
Index 237
injury films, 110 surgical approach and

outcome, 119, 120 osteotomy, 226, 227
plate fixation options, 123 trauma, 230
position, 112 treatment, 226
stress radiographs, 119
temporary fixation with external
fixation, 120, 121 R
temporary K-wire stabilization, Radiolucent foam ramp, –, 3, 4
122, 123
treatment and surgery timing,
110 S
Sagittal plane displacement,
176, 180
O Sinus tarsi, calcaneus fractures
Open reduction and internal fracture reduction techniques
fixation (ORIF), 3, 150 and fixation, 95
interosseous suture techniques, injury films, 92
152 outcome, 97
intraoperative tips and tricks for position, 93
reduction fixation, 153 postoperative plan, 96
joint instability, 157 surgical approach, 95
outcomes, 159 treatment and surgery timing,
plates, 152 93
postoperative protocols and Stress external rotation, 3
follow-up, 155 Stress testing, 4, 6, 63, 157
stress test, 157 Subtalar distraction arthrodesis,
treatment considerations 193
and planning, 150 Subtalar fusion, 186, 197
Osteolysis, 218 Supination-adduction (SAD) ankle
fracture, 25, 27
Supination external rotation IV
P (SER IV) ankle fracture,
Posterior facet, –, , –, 77, 79, 92, 2, 8
94, 97, 102 Syndesmosis, 2, 5, 7, 8, 39, , 70,
Posterior malleolus fractures, 36, 72–74, 212, 213, 64
38, 40, 41 Syndesmotic fixation, maisonneuve
trimalleolar ankle fracture, 35 fractures
initial imaging, 36 diagnostic testing and treatment,
operative technique, 38 70, 71
outcomes, 41 injury films, 69, 70
post-op care, 40 outcomes, 74
Post-traumatic ankle arthropathy postoperative plan, 73, 74
fixation, 228, 229 reduction and internal fixation,
outcome, 229 72, 73
position, 227 surgery timing, 71
post-operative plan, 229 surgical intervention, 72
238 Index
Syndesmotic injury fracture reduction and

complications, 214 fixation, 48–50
fracture reduction, 212–214 lateral radiograph, 47
initial surgery, 211 outcome, 51
injury films, 209, 210 position, 48
post-operative plan, 214 postoperative plan, 50–51
screw placement, 215 standard direct lateral
surgical technique, 212 approach, 48
surgery timing, 48
treatment /planning/tests, 46
T
Talonavicular joint, 132, 134
Tarsometatarsal (TMT) complex, U
150 Unimalleolar ankle fracture
Tibiotalar arthrodesis, 226, 230 lateral malleolus only/SER 4
Tongue-type calcaneus fractures clinical history, 1
Essex-Lopresti maneuver, 107 injury radiographs, 2, 3
fracture fixation, 105–106 outcome, 7, 8
fracture reduction, 104 postoperative protocol, 6
history/physical exam, surgical tact, 3–5
101–102 treatment and surgery
positioning, 103 timing, 3
postoperative plan, 106 medial malleolus fracture, 26
radiographs, 102 absence of, 61
soft tissues, 103 classification, 14, 15
treatment and surgery timing, injury films, 11, 12
103 outcome, 14
Tri-cortical allograft, 89 post-operative plan, 14
Trimalleolar ankle fracture surgical tact, 12, 13
operative technique, 40 treatment and surgery
posterior malleolus fractures, timing, 11
35, 38
initial imaging, 36, 37
operative technique, 38–40 V
outcomes, 41 Vitamin D, 170
operative technique, 38
post-op care, 40
treatment, 36–37 W
screws, posterior malleolus, 45 Weber clamp, 104
AP radiograph, 46 Wound complications, 32, 93

Fractures of The Foot and Ankle 2018

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What are some common foot and ankle fractures discussed in the text?

What are some common foot and ankle fractures discussed in the text?

What surgical techniques are described for treating foot and ankle fractures?

What surgical techniques are described for treating foot and ankle fractures?

Nirmal C.

Fractures of the Foot

ISBN 978-3-319-60455-8 ISBN 978-3-319-60456-5 (eBook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017951867

© Springer International Publishing AG 2018

Printed on acid-free paper

This Springer imprint is published by Springer Nature

New York, USA Nirmal C. Tejwani

1 Unimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Lateral Malleolus

10 Operative Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures

20 Failed Syndesmotic Injury of Ankle����������������������������� 209

Jaimo Ahn, MD, PhD, FACS Department of Orthopaedic

Tonya L. Dixon, MD, MPH Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,

Frank A. Liporace, MD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,

Marcus Sciadini, MD Department of Orthopaedics, University

T.M. McLaurin, M.D. (*)

N.C. Tejwani (ed.), Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, 1

Medial clear space widening of greater than or equal to

 reatment Considerations and Timing

The patient is positioned supine on a radiolucent operating

extremity to aid in intraoperative imaging by positioning the

The author prefers to use a posterolateral approach to the fib-

Fracture Reduction and Fixation

Following exposure and debridement of periosteum from

clamp was placed across the syndesmosis with one tine on

Figure 1.3 Intraoperative external rotation stress test (a) and

Stress testing to determine the need for syndesmotic fixation

removable boot is placed to allow range-of-motion exercises

Figure 1.4 One-year postoperative AP (a), mortise (b), and lateral

removal. It is important to advise the patient early in the

2. Park SS, Kubiak EN, Egol KA, Kummer F, Koval KJ. Stress

This is a 40-year-old female who sustained closed injury to ankle

S.M. Shahane, M.S. (Orth.), M.Ch. (Orth.) (*)

N.C. Tejwani (ed.), Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, 11

Figure 2.1 Anteroposterior X-ray post-injury and CT films showing

Position: Supine position under spinal anesthesia.

Long saphenous vein

Figure 2.2 J-shaped skin incision curving anteriorly

Figure 2.3 Postoperative X-rays

Follow-up radiographs at 12 weeks show healed fracture. She

Four simple patterns have been described:

Figure 2.4 Classification of medial malleolar fractures

and needs to be fixed with two K-wires, supplemented with a

• Care should be taken to avoid injury to the saphenous

S.R. Konda, M.D.

N.C. Tejwani (ed.), Fractures of the Foot and Ankle, 17

Injury and Post-reduction Films

Treatment and Timing of Surgery

Figure 3.1 Injury films AP, mortise, and lateral

Figure 3.2 Post-reduction films AP, mortise, lateral

In terms of fixation strategy, the fracture pattern of the

The patient is positioned supine on the operating room table

Approach: Medial Malleolus

Fracture Reduction and Fixation

reduction of the ankle mortise and anatomic reduction of the

New York, USA Nirmal C. Tejwani

1 Unimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Lateral Malleolus

10 Operative Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures

20 Failed Syndesmotic Injury of Ankle�� 209

reatment Considerations and Timing

Fracture Reduction and Fixation

Injury and Post-reduction Films

Treatment and Timing of Surgery

Approach: Medial Malleolus

Fracture Reduction and Fixation

Treatment Considerations and Planning

tibia articular surface (Fig. 4.4). It is important to recognize

Fracture Reduction and Fixation

malleolus, provided the posterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament

I ntraoperative Tips and Tricks for