Sanders II type calcaneal fractures: a retrospective trial of percutaneous versus operative treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of percutaneous reduction and Steinman pin fixation for Sanders II calcaneal fractures with those of operative management through an extensile lateral approach.

METHODS: Fifty-three patients treated with standard open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF group) and 54 patients who had undergone percutaneous reduction and Steinman pin fixation (CRIF group) were retrospectively reviewed. There were no differences between the groups regarding sex, age or fracture classification. Pain and functional outcome were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Wound complications and radiological results were compared.

RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 40.4 months (24 to 56 months), there were no differences between the two groups in mean AOFAS score, VAS score or radiologically determined variables. Two cases of deep infection and six of poor wound healing occurred in the ORIF group and none in the CRIF group. Subtalar and ankle motion was found to be better in the CRIF group.

CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous reduction and Steinman pin fixation minimizes complications and achieves functional outcomes comparable to those of the open techniques in patients with Sanders II calcaneal fractures.