Diagnostic studies, Level I.

IV.

Soft-tissue defects following calcaneal fractures can be covered in a relatively easy and safe procedure. We have modified the familiar distally based sural artery flap by lifting a part of the gastrocnemius muscle. With an inferior pedicle, this musulocutaneous flap can be rotated onto the defect on the sole of the foot and on the heel. Five patients with open fractures of the calcaneus or wound necrosis after osteosynthesis were treated with this procedure. Two defects were covered uneventfully, two flaps were prepared, the rotation being done in a secondary procedure. One patient demanded further revisions, and the flap was partially lost, but the remaining defect was covered after open treatment. This new musculocutaneous sural artery flap can be used for covering even an extensive defect after calcaneal fractures and seems to be a reliable procedure. Morbidity at the donor site is low, and in the case of failure, the free flap remains an alternative.

BackgroundWith incorrect or even without treatment, acute injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) can lead to chronic instability of the knee joint. After delayed treatment, negative occupational changes and reduced quality of life can occur. These aspects have not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate occupational consequences after isolated reconstruction in cases of chronic PCL insufficiency.Findings12 patients treated with PCL reconstruction in a single bundle technique, using hamstring tendon grafts, were evaluated. All patients were operated upon at least 3 months after injury. Mean time of follow-up was 51 ± 18.2 months (14–75). Radiological assessment (Telos stress device) showed a side comparison of total translation of 4.5 ± 2.6 mm. Occupational consequences have been evaluated by the classification system “REFA”. Median time incapacity for work was 8 weeks. Nearly all patients achieved the mental status of the normal population (SF-36), but physical status was still restricted. A pre- to postoperative improvement of the clinical scores could be seen: Lysholm-Score: 46.4 ± 17.3 to 84.7 ± 14.1, HSS-Score: 74.3 ± 10.5 to 88.3 ± 10.7. Postoperative evaluated scores were: Tegner score: 4.8 ± 1.2, IKDC score: 80.0 ± 16.2, VPS: 3.4 ± 2.7. Patients with low physical load in their workplace described significantly better clinical results in every clinical score (p < .05) and less pain than patients with high physical load prior to the accident (VPS: REFA < 2: 2.4 ± 2.6, REFA ≥ 2: 5.5 ± 1.7; p < 0.05).ConclusionsOperative treated patients with a chronic PCL insufficiency achieve an improvement of the clinical result. Patients with low physical load at their workplace achieve less restrictions.

The clinical relevance of the observed changes in patella position must be clarified by prospective studies with strict criteria.