Articular calcaneus fracture surgical treatment by “mini-open” approach: five-year follow-up

Abstract

Objective: To analyze important variables of surgical treatment progress for intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus. Methods: We evaluated patients with intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus surgically treated at our service from January 1999 to January 2006. Results were evaluated based on function scale by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), patient satisfaction with treatment, presence of complications, and degree of calcaneus correction by the angles of Böhler and Gissane before and after surgery. Results: The sample consisted of 50 patients with intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus (54 fractures), being 45 men (90%). Patient age ranged from 26 to 78 years. In accordance with Essex-Lopresti classification, 47 fractures were articular depression-type (87.1%), and 7 fractures were tongue-type fracture (12.9%). According to Sanders classification, 16 fractures (29.6%) were type IIB, 8 (14,8%) were type IIIAC, and 7 (13%) were type IIIAB. The average in AOFAS score after 5-year follow-up study was 85.9 points. Conclusion: Intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus can be treated using the mini-open approach, which in this series usually achieved good results. In addition, this approach is associated with fewer early complications