Two case reports of a technique of medial external fixation in calcaneal fractures: indirect control of the sustentacular fragment.

In attempted open reduction and internal fixation of displaced calcaneal fractures, comminution of the sustentacular fragment can pose major problems. Two cases of a form of external fixation are presented. The method takes advantage of the strong superomedial and plantar calcaneonavicular ligaments, which link the sustentaculum to the navicular. Traction along these structures (by pins placed in the first metatarsal) indirectly controls the sustentacular fragment, while countertraction from medially placed pins in the tuberosity allows derotation of the fragment and correct repositioning in relation to the sustentaculum. The essential deformities of a calcaneal fracture are corrected by this technique. In addition, distortion of the middle facet appears to correct as well.