[Preoperative traction of calcaneus in the treatment of Rüedi-Allgöwer II and III pilon fracture].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of preoperative calcaneal traction in the treatment of Rüedi-Allgöwer II and III Pilon fracture.

METHODS

From March 2005 to March 2010, 56 patients with Rüedi-Allgöwer II and III Pilon fracture were treated by calcaneal traction internal fixation on the second phase. There were 42 males and 14 females with an average age of 34.6 years old (ranged 18 to 68). Clinical outcomes were assessed according to Tormette Pilon and tibia fracture standard.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up from 9 to 36 months with an average of 18 months. All fracture obtained bone healing, the time ranged from 4.5 to 8.2 months with a mean of 6.2 months. No deep infection, breakage of internal fixation and other complications occurred. According to Tornetta evaluation criteria,35 cases got excellent results, 18 cases good,and 3 cases fair.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative calcaneal traction as a temporary fixing measure can provide a good environment for successful operation, and is an essential foundation for recovering functional, painless, load, movable joint.