The Operative Treatment using Mini-open Sinus Tarsi Approach for Displaced Intraarticular Calcaneal Fractures

Kim, Yong Min; Cho, Byung Ki; Shon, Hyun Chul; Park, Ji Kang; Jeong, Ho Seung

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of operative treatment using mini-open sinus tarsi approach for displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We studied 18 cases (16 patients) of intraarticular calcaneal fractures who were treated with sinus tarsi approach by same surgeon. The mean age of patients was 44.8 years, and mean follow-up period was 17.2 months. The measurement of Bohler angle, Gissane angle, the degree of articular surface depression, and the period to union were performed through preoperative and postoperative radiographs. The clinical evaluation was performed according to hindfoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and scale of the Creighton-Nebraska health foundation (CNHF).
RESULTS
Bohler angle and Gissane angle had improved significantly from preoperative average 9.8degrees, 117.6degrees to average 22.4degrees, 113.4degrees immediate postoperatively, and had maintained to average 21.8degrees and 114.2degrees at the last follow-up. The degree of articular surface depression had improved significantly from preoperative average 5.2 mm to 1.2 mm at the last follow-up. All cases achieved bone union, and the period to union was average 10.5 weeks. AOFAS score was average 86.2 points at the last follow-up. There were 7 excellent, 9 good, and 2 fair results according to the CNHF scale. Therefore, 16 cases (88.8%) achieved satisfactory results.
CONCLUSION
The minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach using headless compression screw seems to be an effective surgical method for displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures, because of the possibility of accurate restoration of articular surface and the low risk of postoperative soft tissue complications.