Minimally Invasive Approach for Treatment of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures by mini-plate and Percutaneous Cannulated Screws

Intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus are one of the most challenging fractures to orthopedic surgeons. To achieve anatomical reduction of the subtalar joint, maintaining length & alignment to achieve a good functional outcome. In this series, the sinus tarsi approach was the standard approach by which the patients were treated. This study included 23 patients with unilateral intra-articular fracture calcaneus. The patients will treat by open reduction and internal fixation through minimal invasive sinus tarsai approach using miniplate and cannulated screws for fixation. All patients were evaluated clinically (Using AOFAS ankle / hindfoot score) and radiologically. The mean follows up duration was 6 months. Immediate postoperative X-rays showed anatomical articular reduction. In this study the mean AOFAS ankle/hindfoot score was 83±4. The mean follows up duration was 6 months. Complications included superficial wound infection in two patients and hardware irritation in two patients. In this study minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach gives good reduction aided by percutaneous reduction and screw fixation. The technique is more effective in patients with type II & III Sander’s classification especially in risky patients. The timing of operation can be as soon as possible. Reduced rate of soft tissue morbidity and good range of motion are possible with these techniques compared with the extensile lateral procedure.