Limited Invasive Techniques in Management of Sander's Type II, III Calcaneal Fractures

Abstract

Background: A thorough understanding of the clinical and radiographic anatomy of the calcaneus and its articulations is crucial when attempting less invasive procedures for intraarticular calcaneus fractures.
Objective: The aim of this work is to evaluate the functional outcome and to assess the anatomical restoration of the calcaneus with radiographic measurements after percutaneous fixation of Sanders type II and type III calcaneal fractures by K-wires and cannulated screws.
Patients and methods: This was a prospective study that is conducted on 23 patients whom were classified as Sanders type II, III Calcaneal fractures. This study was done at Alexandria Police Hospital and Zagazig University Hospital. These patients were followed up for at least 6 months postoperatively. All patients in the study were evaluated including history taking and clinical examination. All patients had preoperative lab investigations and were evaluated radiologically with X-ray calcaneus and CT scan, and were followed up at outpatient clinic twice in the first week then once a week for the next two months.
Results: The final results at the end of this study were satisfactory in 91.3% of patients and unsatisfactory in 8.7% of patients. About (81.3%) of the excellent results were obtained in Sanders type II fractures, while 18.7 % of the excellent results were obtained in Sanders type III fractures.
Conclusion: Less invasive surgical techniques for treating displaced intraarticular calcaneus fractures have been undertaken in an attempt to reduce complications and improve recovery when surgery is indicated. These emerging techniques may be beneficial in patients with soft-tissue compromise, multiple comorbidities, and displaced intraarticular fractures with minimal comminution.