Is arthroscopic assisted percutaneous screw fixation as good as open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures?

BACKGROUND: This study compares the outcomes of calcaneal fracture surgery after open reduction internal fixation and plating (ORIF) versus arthroscopic assisted percutaneous screw fixation (APSF).

METHODS: Group I (N=12) underwent ORIF. Group II (N=15) underwent APSF. Anthropometric data, pre and post-operative stay, complications and duration off work were recorded in this retrospective case cohort study. Radiographs were analyzed for Bohler's, Gissane's angle and Sanders' classification. AOFAS Hindfoot and SF 36 scores were collected at final follow-up.

RESULTS: Anthropometric data, Bohler's and Gissane's angles, AOFAS and SF 36 scores were not significantly different. Pre-operative duration was 12.3 days in ORIF and 6.9 days in APSF. Post-operative duration was 7.3 days vs 3.8 days. Duration off work was 6.2 months vs 2.9 months.

CONCLUSION: The APSF group was able to have surgery earlier, go home faster, and return to work earlier. This study was not powered to demonstrate a difference in wound complication rates.