Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive surgical techniques in reduction and fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
Methods: Thirty feet in 26 patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated using minimal invasive techniques (limited sinus tarsi approach and or percutaneous reduction and fixation). Plain radiograghy of the affected side including antero-posterior and lateral views of the ankle and axial heel views was taken for all patients. CT scan also was done preoperatively for all patients. The fractures were classified according to Sanders CT classification.
Results: twelve patients (40%) had no pain; fifteen patients (50%) had mild tolerable pain with activity, and two patients (6.6%) had moderate pain that respond to analgesia as needed. One patient had severe pain (3.4%) necessitating subtalar arthrodesis. Infection rate ware three superficial cases and one case had deep infection. Three patients (10%) were complaining of Symptomatic hardware.
According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, twelve patients had excellent score (40%), good in fifteen (50%), fair in 2 patients (6.7%) with poor result in one patient (3.3%).
Conclusion:
Minimal invasive surgical techniques regarding the approach, reduction and fixation are good methods for treatment of displaced intra-articular fracture calcaneus. These techniques are highly effective in patients with Sander's classification II & III especially in high risk patients