Calcaneal fractures

Summary

Evidence from five small case series, Class of evidence (CoE) IV, regarding the safety and efficacy of calcium phosphate bone cement in the treatment of calcaneal fractures, is weak. Outcomes were analyzed using different measures, and were highly variable. Functional outcomes results were mixed depending on the type of cement and the outcomes measure used. Wound infections occurred in 0 – 21% of fractures across all series. Acceptable reduction and joint reconstruction were experienced in all three series of patients treated with a skeletal repair system (Norian SRS). Well-designed comparative studies are needed to clarify whether augmentation with calcium phosphate bone cement for the treatment of calcaneal fractures safely improves outcomes. Comparative studies of different compounds would assist with evaluating composition-specific effects on outcomes.