Arthroscopically assisted closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation for intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Objective To introduce the method of arthroscopically assisted closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation for intra-articular calcaneal fractures and to discuss its clinical indications, advantages and disadvantages. Methods From February 2003 to December 2004, 12 unilateral intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated with the method of arthroscopically assisted closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. 7 cases were males and 5 cases were females. The average age was 36.8 years (range, 23-61 years). 8 feet were on right side and 4 feet were on left side. The mechanism of injury was fall from a height in 11 cases and vehicle accident in 1 case. According to Sanders classification, 8 cases were type Ⅱ fractures(1 type ⅡA, 5 type ⅡB, 2 type ⅡC) and 4 cases were type Ⅲ fractures(2 type ⅢAB,1 type ⅢAC,1 type ⅢBC). Results Arthroscopy in the operation showed the fracture space and step were less than 1 mm. The preoperative X-ray film showed that B?觟hler angle was 18.4°±5.8°, Gissane angle was 109.1°±10.2°, calcaneal width was (35.9±2.2) mm. The postoperative X-ray film demonstrated that B?觟hler angle was 25.4°±3.5°, Gissane angle was 118.1°±6.4°, calcaneal width was (32.3±1.1) mm. The average follow-up of nine patients was 17.4 months (range, 10-25 months). According to Maryland foot score, all patients had satisfactory results with the mean score of 92.5 score (range, 82-100 score), 6 were excellent and 3 were good. None of the patients had re-displacement of fracture, significant lame or other late complications. They regained normal shape of foot and wore normal footwear. Conclusion Arthroscopically assisted closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation is an effective and applicable minimal-invasive treatment for Sanders type Ⅱ and selected type Ⅲ intra-articular calcaneus fractures. It can significantly reduce the risk of soft tissue injury and other complications while ensuring satisfactory reduction of the posterior calcaneal facet of the subtalar joint and reliable fixation.