Design of butterfly-shaped plate and its application in treatment for calcaneal fractures

OBJECTIVE To introduce the design of a butterfly-shaped plate and its application in the treatment of calcaneal fractures, and to discuss its clinical indications, advantages and disadvantages. METHODS From February 2008 to April 2010, 22 patients with 26 intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a butterfly-shaped plate. Sixteen patients were male and six patients were female, with a mean age of 36.8 years. Eleven were left feet and 15, right. According to the Sanders classification, 12 were calcaneal fractures Type II (including three Type IIa, seven Type IIb and two Type IIc) and 14 were Type III (including five Type IIIab, seven Type IIIac and two Type IIIbc). RESULTS Seventeen patients (21 feet) were followed-up for an average of 19.2 months. The functional outcomes were assessed using the Maryland Foot Score system. Among the nine feet with Type II fractures, seven feet were scored excellent, two were good. Among the 12 Type III fractures, six were scored excellent, five were good, and one was scored fair. CONCLUSION The butterfly-shaped plate is applicable in the treatment of Sanders Type II and Type III calcaneal fractures, with the advantages of ensuring reliable fixation, facilitating the surgery, producing fewer postoperative complications, and generating better overall clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.