Demographics of extra-articular calcaneal fractures: Including a review of the literature on treatment and outcome

Introduction: Extra-articular calcaneal fractures represent 25-40% of all calcaneal fractures and an even higher percentage of up to 60% is seen in children. A disproportionately small part of the literature on calcaneal fractures involves the extra-articular type. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of extra-articular calcaneal fractures in a Level 1 trauma centre, define the distribution of the various types of fractures and compare patient demographics between extra- and intra-articular calcaneal fractures. In addition the literature was reviewed for the most common types of extra-articular calcaneal fractures with regard to incidence, treatment and clinical outcome. Methods: The radiological records between 2003 and 2005 were reviewed for intra- and extra-articular calcaneal fractures. Patient gender-distribution and age were compared. A literature search was conducted for the treatment of extra-articular calcaneal fractures. Results: In this 3-year study period a total of 49 patients with 50 extra-articular calcaneal fractures and 91 patients with 101 intra-articular fractures were identified. The median age for the first group was 32.7 years, and for the second group 40.3 years; P = 0.04. Male predominance was significantly less pronounced for extra-articular (63%) compared with intra-articular fractures (79%; P = 0.04). Conclusion: One-third of all calcaneal fractures are extra-articular. Significant differences exist between the intra- and extra-articular groups, in terms of lower age and male-female ratio. The literature study shows inconsistencies in treatment options, but most extra-articular fractures are well manageable conservatively

Benign febrile cervicalgia due to calcific retropharyngeal tendinitis: Case study

SummaryPeriarticular calcific tendinopathy has been well described, but no retropharyngeal locations have been reported in the surgical orthopedic literature. This pathology is a diagnostic pitfall, leading to fruitless invasive examinations and treatment. The clinical aspect is misleading, but pathognomic imaging can establish diagnosis. We report a case of febrile postoperative cervicalgia, initially suggestive of a septic complication, but in which imaging indicated retropharyngeal calcific tendinitis

Non-traumatic calcifications/ossifications of the bone surface and soft tissues of the wrist, hand and fingers: A diagnostic approach

AbstractIn the absence of obvious trauma, the calcifications/ossifications of the bone surface and soft tissues of the wrist, hand and fingers can be challenging and may not be noticed or lead to unnecessary examinations and monitoring. Although these are usually benign conditions and despite a favorable spontaneous outcome, surgical resection may be required and recurrence may occur. In practice, only paraneoplastic syndromes such as secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (Pierre Marie-Bamberger syndrome) may reveal a malignant tumor, most often pulmonary. We suggest a diagnostic approach based on the initial clinical presentation (acute pain, chronic pain, growth±pain) and the radiological features