Sixty-six feet (62 patients) with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures underwent manual reduction and distraction with the use of a triangular tube-to-bar external fixation device and were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of 1-year post-operative. Final radiographic follow-up revealed complete consolidation in all fractures, maintenance of reduction, and limited degenerative osteoarthrosis about the subtalar joint. Our results indicate that with proper application and attention to detail, restoration of calcaneal morphology using triangular tube-to-bar external fixation should be considered a viable alternative in the treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus.

Twelve patients (15 feet) with severe hallux rigidus underwent distally based capsule-periosteum interpositional arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (mean ± SD follow-up, 16.8 ± 7.0 months). Subjective evaluation was based on a modified version of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society’s 100-point Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Joint Scale. Objective evaluation consisted of preoperative and postoperative physical examinations (first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion and axial grind testing) and radiographic evaluations (joint space width). The short-term results of this novel procedure showed subjective patient improvement and satisfaction, increased first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsal range of motion, maintained hallux plantar range of motion and power, and improved joint space width on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. None of the patients developed a hallux hammer toe or extensus deformity or lesser metatarsalgia, and none required further surgical intervention. After describing the indications of the procedure and the surgical technique, the authors compare the results with those of the various other procedures available for the surgical treatment of hallux rigidus. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 93(5): 349-366, 2003)