Comparative analysis of surgical approaches for calcaneal fractures: Cannulated cancellous screw vs. open reduction and internal fixation

Abstract

Aims: To investigate, evaluate, and compare the functional and radiographic outcomes of two prominent treatment approaches for calcaneal fractures: Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with Plating and Percutaneous Cannulated Cancellous Screw fixation.Methods and Material: The study was conducted at medical colleges of Ahmedabad and Nadiad focusing on patients admitted to Orthopedic OPD and Casualty. The sample size comprised 30 patients, and it was a randomized comparative retrospective study from data collected from patients operated from May 2021 to May 2023.Results: Among 30 patients with unilateral calcaneus fractures, right-side involvement was observed in 46.6%, and left-side involvement in 53.3%. Two fixation methods were employed: Group P (n=11) Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with Plating (37% of patients) and Group C (n=19) Cannulated Cancellous Screw fixation (63% of patient). In Group C, 10 patients had excellent results, while in Group P, 5 patients achieved an excellent outcome.Conclusions: In our comparative study, patients treated with Cannulated Cancellous Screw for calcaneal fractures demonstrated superior radiographic and functional outcomes compared to those undergoing Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with Plating.