Surgical management of intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus

In this study we evaluated the interim results of surgical management of intraarticular calcaneal fractures in 26 feet in 19 patients. The mean age of the 15 male and 4 female patients in our series was 28.3 (range 17-54) years. There were 7 bilateral and 12 unilateral fractures. We obtained anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and skyline views and computed tomography (CT) scans of all patients preoperatively. According to Sanders CT classification, we detected type II, III, and IV fractures in 12, 10, and 4 cases, respectively. We performed extended lateral incisions in all patients but one and used Sherman plate, screw, and staples to achieve anatomic reduction. The mean follow-up period was 38.2 (range 18-50) months. Patients were evaluated by X-ray, CT, and Maryland foot score. We found that anatomic reduction had been achieved in 20 cases as confirmed by X-ray and CT postoperatively. With regard to the Maryland foot score, excellent, good, fair, and poor results were obtained in 9, 11, 4, and 2 cases, respectively. None of our patients required secondary intervention. We conclude that in order to obtain satisfactory results in the management of intraarticular calcaneal fractures, anatomic reduction must be achieved and maintained using strength hardware.