Displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus: Percutaneous reduction and screw fixation

Abstract

Background: Extensile open technique to reduce and fix intra-articular calcaneal fractures have a high rate of wound complications. A technique of percutaneous reduction and fixation with screws alone was devised to avoid these problems. The clinical results, & radiographs were evaluated in this study after operational treatment using this approach. Methods: The study looked at 33 patients who had intra-articular calcaneal fractures in Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Science Puducherry from January 2020 to December 2021. At 3 months after the injury, all patients were evaluated for early postoperative sequelae. The clinical outcomes were evaluated for patients who were seen at least 6 months following surgery. The articular reduction was quantitatively analysed in patients who received both preoperative and postoperative radiographic images. Results: No complications were found at the 3-month follow-up. At least 6 months after the injury, screw irritation 9% (3 patients), subtalar osteoarthritis 3% (1 patient) requiring subtalar fusion percent, malunion 9%(3pt), and deep infection 0 percent were among the consequences. The Bohler angle, calcaneal facet height, and width all improved markedly after surgery. The Bohler angle increased by +24.1 degrees on average after surgery, with a loss of 4.9 degrees during the 3-month follow-up, 54.5 percent of patients reported a residual pain level of 3 or lower at the final follow-up.Conclusion: Based on articular reduction and amount of residual discomfort, this study suggests that percutaneous treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures with screws alone could offer acceptable early results.