Intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Clinical results and functional analysis of the surgical treatment

This study evaluated the clinical and functional outcome of open reduction and internal fixation in intraarticular calcaneal fractures 22 patients with 24 intra-articular fractures of calcaneous were treated, 19 with open reduction and internal fixation using a 3.5 mm AO/ASIF calcaneal plate. The fractures were classified according the Sanders tomographic system. The Bohler angle was measured before and after the surgery. All patients were evaluated using the functional ankle-hind foot AOFAS scale (American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society) 6 and 12 months after the surgery. Mean age was 39.8 years. The distribution according the type of fracture was: Sanders II: 41.67% and Sanders III: 58.33%. The mean value of the initial Bohler angle was 11.45% and the final was 24.5 degrees. The functional outcome after 6 months was 70 points and after 12 months was 82 points. There were only two complications (12.5%) a fistula and a wound dehiscence. The displaced and slightly comminuted intra articular fractures have the calcaneus (Sandres II and Sandres III) benefit of ORIF obtaining good functional outcomes 6 and 12 months after surgery. This procedure allows a better articular surface reduction, a satisfactory Bohler angle correction and earlier rehabilitation