Imaging evaluation and osteosynthesis complications of the calcaneus fractures by the suprafibular approach

Abstract

Objective: To perform an radiographic evaluation of patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures, treated surgically using the suprafibular approach between January 2002 and October 2010, by Grupo de Cirurgia do Pé e Tornozelo do Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia of the Instituto Ortopédico de Goiânia. Methods: A retrospective study with 39 patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture operated by three surgeons using the suprafibular approach, direct reduction and internal fixation with screws, with or without the use of Steinmann wires. Results: The correction of the Böhler and Gissane angles was achieved in all patients, and there was no loss of fracture reduction in any patient. Complication rates were low totaling 12.82%, requiring the removal of screws in only 7.70% of patients. Conclusion: The results obtained with the use of the supra fibular approach are encouraging. As well as allowing the anatomical reduction of the articular surface, it has lower complication rates compared to the large side approach and the use of plates and screws.