Avulsion Fractures of the Posterior Calcaneal Tuberosity (Beak Fracture). Functional and Radiographic Evaluation
Abstract
Objectives: To present the functional and radiographic outcomes of six patients with beak fractures and to carry out a literature review. Materials and Methods: The functional (AOFAS Score) and radiological outcomes of six patients were evaluated. Three patients were male and three were female (mean age: 35.6 years). The mean time interval between injury and admission to the operating room was 2.83 hours. The extensile lateral approach was used. The fracture was fixed with 3.5, 4.0, or 4.5mm cannulated and solid screws alone or in combination with 3.5 and 2.7mm locking plates. Results: After a follow-up period of between 8 and 24 months, all the patients had clear signs of consolidation. On admission, all presented signs of soft tissue pain without signs of necrosis. The AOFAS score was 82.4 (5 good and 1 fair). The complications observed were a deep infection and loss of reductionin the same patient. Conclusions: Beak fractures can generate soft tissue complications if they are not treated urgently due toinitial soft tissue involvement. Open reduction and fixation with screws and plates is the most stable fixation system.Downloads
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