Management of intra-articular fracture of calcaneus by combined percutaneous and minimal internal fixation.

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the calcaneus are among the most challenging for the orthopaedic surgeon. The treatment of the intra-articular calcaneum fracture remains controversial due to complications and complexity of surgical anatomy. Treatment of calcaneal fracture ranges from non-operative treatment to operative. We present intraarticular fracture of calcaneus treated by combined percutaneous and minimal internal fixation.

METHODS

All cases evaluated either by X-ray or CT scan. All fractures were sanders two or three type evaluated by CT scan and either joint depression or tongue type fracture by X-ray. Lateral approach was used, posterior facet was exposed, reduced and fixed with one 4 mm canulated cancellous screws and 2 axial pins percutaneously from tuberosity. Clinical evaluation of the outcomes was done by modified Rowe Score.

RESULTS

Out of 22 patients, 14 were male and 8 cases were female. Average age of the patients was 30.5 yrs (15-63 yrs). Mode of the injury was RTA in 6 cases and fall from height in 16 cases. There was no soft tissue problem in any patient. All fractures united without secondary displacement in an average of 8 weeks. Average duration of follow up was 26 months (6-37 months). Average Modified Rowe Score was 80 (Range 55-95). Ten patients had excellent, 10 had good and 2 had satisfactory outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-articular fracture of the calcaneus can be well managed by minimal opening at the fracture and fixation by single cancellous screw and 2 axial k-wires, so minimizes complications and results in comparable outcomes.