Treatment of Sanders' type III intra-articular fracture of the calcaneus using a small dorsolateral incision

Objective To investigate the operative treatment of Sanders' type Ⅲ displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus using a small dorsolateral incision.Methods From October 2006 to April 2012,90 patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture of sanders' type Ⅲ were treated by open reduction and internal fixation through a small dorsolateral incision at our department.The skin incision was made from the distal tip of the fibula to the base of the fourth metatarsal.They were 69 men and 21 women,aged from 17 to 61 years (average,39 years).On the right side were 49 cases and on the left side 41 cases.According to Sander's classification,26 fractures were of type Ⅲ AB,36 of type Ⅲ AC and 28 type Ⅲ BC.The displacements of articular facet were all larger than 1 mm.The foot functions were evaluated before and after operation by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system.Results For each patient,4 to 6 calcaneal cannulated screws of 4.0 mm and 2 full threaded screws of 6.5 mm were used.No incision infection,skin necrosis or injury to the posterior tibial nerve or vessels occurred after surgery.Seventy-six patients were followed up for 10 to 56 months (average,20.5 months).Clinical union was achieved after 8 to 12 weeks (average,9.5 weeks).The lateral and axial X-ray films of the calcaneus at the last follow-up showed fine reduction and fixation of the fracture fragments and significant improvements in the length,width,height,and B(o)hler and Gissane angles of the calcaneus compared with the preoperation (P ＜ O.05).The ankle and hindfoot scored 70 to 100 AOFAS points at the last follow-up.Forty-five cases were excellent,24 good,5 fair and 2 poor (excellent to good rate of 90.8％).Follow-up observed no infection,nonunion or osteomyelitis.Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation through a small dorsolateral incision is a good option for Sanders' type Ⅲ calcaneus fractures with a displacement of more than 1 mm,because it leads to minimal soft tissue damage,excellent exposure and convenience for later removal of internal fixators and subtalar arthrodesis. Key words: Calcaneus fracture;  Fracture fixation, internal;  Bone nails