[Design and application of adjustable triangle external fixator for the treatment of calcaneal fractures].

Objective: To design a kind of adjustable triangle external fixator, and to use it for treating calcaneal fractures.

Methods: The external fixator was installed into extremity near the both sides of three Kirschner wires crossing the calcaneal tubercle, the lower end of the tibia and the first cuneiform. The support rod length was adjusted to ensure the Kirschner wires affecting the calcaneal tubercle, so the Böhler angle and anteroposterior diameter of the calcaneus were recovered. From April in 2003 to April in 2008, the external fixators were used to treat 34 patients with calcaneal fractures, including 30 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 19 to 54 years, with an average of 36.7 years. The Böhler angles were -5 degree to 15 degree, with an average of 13.5 degrees. According to Sander's classification, 2 patients were type II, 20 patients were type III, and 12 patients were type IV.

Results: Thirty-four patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 3 months to 4 years, averaged 25 months. The Böhler angle recovered to 30 degree to 40 degrees, with a mean of 32.5 degrees. The Maryland mean score improved from preoperative (24.76+/-15.05) to postoperative (83.26+/-16.81). Based on Maryland criteria, 8 patients got an excellent result, 21 good, 3 fair and 2 bad.

Conclusion: The adjustable triangle external fixator for treating calcaneal fractures has the following advantages : simple approach, good recovery, little reinjury and complications, effectiveness to recovery Böhler angle and anteroposterior diameter of calcaneal, which is an ideal method to treat calcaneal fractures.