[Lateral minimally invasive approach reduction and internal fixation with hollow screws for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the operative treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture by lateral minimally invasive approach reduction and internal fixation.


METHODS
During January 2006 to September 2009, 30 cases (31 feet) of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture were treated by open reduction and hollow screws internal fixation through lateral minimally invasive approach from the fibular tip to the basement of the fourth metatarsal foot (Sanders II in 21 feet, Sanders III in 8 feet, Sanders IV in 2 feet), including 23 males and 7 females with an average age of 36.5 years ranging from 18 to 60 years.


RESULTS
The 31 feet of 30 patients were followed-up for from 3 to 24 months (14 months in average). There was no soft tissue complications such as infected incision, skin necrosis, poor wound healing, and sural nerve injury. X-ray films of 25 feet after the operations showed well reduction of articular surface and satisfactory shape on calcaneal; 6 feet showed roughly normal shape. Based on the Maryland grading system, 6 feet were excellent, 20 feet good and 5 feet fair.


CONCLUSIONS
The lateral minimally invasive approach is a good option for calcaneal fracture of Sanders II and III, because of its less damages to soft tissue and fewer complications. It could also provide excellent exposure of articular surface.
Zhou
Yu-Kuan
YK
Department of Orthopaedics, People's Hospital of Wuhe, Wuhe 233300, Anhui, China. zxm20080806@yahoo.com.cn
Zhang
Biao
B
Hu
Ting-Jun
TJ
Li
Xiao-Fu
XF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors