Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: Comparison between Mini-Invasive Approach and Kirschner Wires vs. Extensive Approach and Dedicated Plate-A Retrospective Evaluation at Long-Term Follow-Up

Introduction: Calcaneal fractures (CF) are the most common tarsal fractures, representing up to 75% of foot fractures and 2% of all fractures. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze fixation with Kirschner wires through a mini-invasive approach and dedicated plate and screws through an extended approach at long-term follow-up. Materials and Methods: Patients were radiographically and clinically evaluated at final follow-up, by using the validated American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score for the clinical-functional assessment, the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) for the physical and psychological domain assessment, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. Results: In total, 38 patients (42 CF) met the inclusion criteria and were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two groups (Kirschner group and plate group) consisting of 19 patients each. The overall mean follow-up was 59.4 +/- 11.8 months. The average values of the post-operative clinical outcomes of the two groups KG and PG were, respectively, 70.7 +/- 11.9 and 70.1 +/- 10.9 (AOFAS), 45.7 +/- 6.8 and 46.5 +/- 10.8 (SF-12 PCS), 54.7 +/- 9.9 and 50.9 +/- 11.8 (SF-12 MCS) at the final follow-up. Conclusions: The present study showed that in the cases analyzed, the two surgical approaches used for the treatment of CF achieved comparable clinical outcomes. The only substantial difference found between the two groups of patients was the re-intervention rate that afflicted them.