Intra-articular calcaneal fracture: correlation between Böhler’s and Gissane’s angles using the Sander’s CT classification

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the correlationbetween the Gissane and Böhler angles using the Sanders classification,aiming to identify an association between them within the differentgravity stratification divisions. Methods: A retrospective study inwhich 52 intra-articular calcaneal fractures of 46 patients undergoingsurgery in a tertiary referral hospital were evaluated. Patients wereevaluated for age, sex, affected side and radiological parameters. NonparametricKruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the groups.Results: The Sanders CT classification groups were compared in termsof patient characteristics and no evidence of significant associationwith sex (p=0.910), age (p=0.636), and affected side (p=0.501), wasfound. There was no evidence of differences between the computedtomographic classification groups in regard to measurements ofBöhler (p=0.145) and Gissane (p=0.098) angles. Discussion: Theepidemiology of the study was consistent with the data found inthe literature. The study obtained correlation and trend parametersbetween the radiographic and computed tomographic evaluationmethods for calcaneal fracture. Conclusion: The evaluation ofresults shows a better association of the Böhler angle with the typeIV Sanders classification, implying lower mean values of this angle inmore severe cases assessed by CT classification. This angle did notremain within normal parameters of 20 to 40 degrees in any of thetype IV cases.