Minimally invasive fixation of intra-articular calcaneus fracture using sinus tarsi approach

Introduction: The present study presents the outcomes of 45 patients of intra-articular fracture who were treated by minimally invasive technique with sinus tarsi approach. Methodology: 45 adult patients with intra-articular calcaneus fractures (Sander type 2 & 3), who were operated in the Department of Orthopedics, Post Graduate Institute of Swasthiyog Pratishthan, Miraj were included. All cases underwent sinus tarsi approach for minimal invasive surgery. Results: Mean age of the patients included in the study was 43.55 ± 3.08 years and males comprised 64%. Approximately two thirds of the patients had a fall and rest had a road traffic accident. Post-operative outcomes were assessed at an average of 7.5 months. At the point of last follow-up, we observed that the mean Bohler’s angle increased from 15.44 degrees (SD 2.07) pre-operatively to 26.73 degrees (SD 3.83) post-operatively. Mean Gissane’s angle increased from 144.73 degrees (SD 3.06) pre-operatively to 130.69 degrees (SD 2.53) post-operatively. A statistically significant increase and decrease was observed in the Bohler’s and Gissane’s angle respectively. It was observed that Bohler’s angle decreased in 9% of the patients, while Gissane’s angle increased in 11% of the patients. Rest had their angles maintained. AFASS was found to be good in 80% of the patients, fair in 16% and poor in 4% of the patients. No post-operative complications were noted in 96% of the patients, only 4% had skin infection. Conclusions: In our study, functional outcome was good or fair in 96% of the patients, with very few complication cases. Sinus tarsi approach is a less invasive method for treatment of calcaneal fractures.