Functional outcomes of different modalities of fixation in intra-articular calcaneus fractures

Abstract

Background: Closed manipulation and percutaneous screw fixation, minimal sinus tarsi approach reduction and screw fixation, open reduction and plate fixation these all useful in management of intraarticular calcaneus fracture management. In this study we used all these three different methods and evaluate outcome on postoperative follow up with different modalities of treatment. Material and Methods: A series Twenty-Five patients with intraarticular calcaneus fractures were included in this analysis. Essex-Lopresti classification was used to evaluate the injuries and their prognostic correlation tested. Bohler's angle and Gissane`s angle was measured preand postoperatively and evaluated as radiological outcome. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Results: A total of 25 patients with intraarticular fractures out these 24 patients having unilateral calcaneus fracture and 1 patient having bilateral calcaneus fracture. All were male patients with a mean postoperative follow-up of 24 months. Overall mean age of patient was 48 years old. The most frequent cause of trauma was a fall from a height. According to Essex-Lopresti, there were 21 joint depression type fractures, and 4 tongue type. Clinical outcome on follow up measured with AOFAS score and we found out of 25 patients 13 patients with excellent AOFAS score,10 patients with good AOFAS score and 2 patients with fair AOFAS score. The restoration of the Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle achieved most frequently. Conclusion: Internal fixation either in the form of percutaneous screw fixation or plate fixation effective and useful in management of intraarticular calcaneus fracture.