Publication:

A study of intra articular calcaneal fractures treated with minimally invasive cannulated screw fixation

Background The management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) remains challenging and controversial. A prospective study to assess the functional outcome of patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with percutaneous reduction, cannulated screw fixation.

Methods Ultimately, 14 patients with a DIACFs, underwent. percutaneous reduction, cannulated screw fixation. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hind foot scores. Radiological results were assessed using plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans, and postoperative wound-related complications were also recorded.

Results A total of 46 adult patients were assessed in our study. Twenty patients did not meet the inclusion criteria and were excluded. Twelve patients were excluded due to severe medical ailments (2 patients) and non-adherence to the treatment plan (10 patients). Therefore, 14 patients with an average age of 42.5 years old (range, 20 to 72 years) including 10 men and 4 women participated in the study. All patients were followed-up for 12 months averagely (range, 11 to 18 months). Complete articular reduction is achieved in 8 patients, 6 patients had articular depression of posterior facet, 3 patients had heel widening and lateral impingement. There was no wound complications in any of the patients, 2 patients developed sub talar arthritis at 2 years of follow up.

Conclusions Surgical treatment of intra articular calcaneal fractures remains challenging task. Minimally invasive reductions remain good option to minimize wound complications. Cannulated cancellous screw fixation is good option for intra articular calcaneal fracture.