Injury cause, treatment, and long-term results [American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Midfoot Score, Hannover Scoring System, Hannover Outcome Questionnaire] of patients with Chopart joint dislocations or fracture-dislocations were evaluated. Between 1972 and 1997, 100 patients with 110 Chopart joint dislocations were treated in the authors' institution. Pure Chopart joint dislocations were observed in 28 (25%) feet, fracture-dislocations in 60 (55%) feet, and combined Chopart-Lisfranc joint fracture-dislocations in 22 (20%) feet. The primary treatment was operative in 91 (83%) feet and nonoperative in 19 (17%) feet. Sixty-five (65%) patients had follow-up after an average of 9 years (range, 2-25 years). The mean scores of the entire follow-up group were: AOFAS score, 75 points; Hannover Scoring System, 69 points (maximium possible score = 100 points); Hannover Outcome Questionnaire, 68 points (maximium possible score = 100 points). There were no differences between the scores for pure dislocations or fracture-dislocations of the Chopart joint, but significantly lower scores were noted with combined Chopart-Lisfranc joint fracture-dislocations. In all three injury pattern groups, an initial anatomic reduction was essential for good results. The high functional restrictions in Chopart dislocations can most likely be minimized with initial open reduction, especially in fracture-dislocations. A closed reduction yielded good results only with pure dislocations, when anatomic conditions could be restored, or if there were contraindications to surgery.

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We evaluated retrospectively the long-term results of isolated calcaneal fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation and a primary subtalar arthrodesis. From 1990 to 1997 258 patients were treated with a calcaneal fracture, for the current study six patients were included. Six different surgeons operated on the patients. The indication for the fusion was based on the comminution of the posterior facet according to the preoperative CT as well as the intraoperative evaluation of destruction of the cartilage. The restoration of length, axes and angles of the calcaneus was almost anatomical in all cases. Follow-up was done at a mean of 4.9 (2.5 - 7.5 years). Using the AOFAS score, the results were good or excellent in five patients. In one patient with a painful arthritis in the talonavicular joint and hyperesthesia of the sural nerve, the results were fair. All returned to their profession within 9 months and had no or only minor daily restrictions. The results are comparable with single surgeon series. We found open reconstruction of the calcaneus with primary fusion of the subtalar joint may be indicated in selected patients and, in these 6 patients led to good results.

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The high accuracy and precision of navigation systems in determining frontal plane deformities of long bones can make them an invaluable tool for the exact reduction and realignment of lower extremity fractures.