Outcome evaluation of minimally invasive surgery versus extensile lateral approach in management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A randomised control trial.
BACKGROUND
Minimally invasive surgery has a significant and evolving role in the treatment of DIACFs, but there is limited literature on this topic.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the clinico-radiological outcomes of DIACFs fixed with MIS technique with ORIF.


METHODS
This randomised control trial (RCT) included 21 closed Sanders type 2 and 3 DIACFs which were selected from 70 who presented. Extensile lateral approach was used in the ORIF group; while MIS techniques included either percutaneous reduction or small incisions with indirect fragment manipulation.


METHODS
AOFAS hindfoot score, pre-operative and postoperative radiology.


RESULTS
There were 9 fractures in the Extensile group and 12 in the MIS group, with both groups having comparable demography, fracture classification, surgery delay & initial radiology. Bohler's angle improved after surgery by an average of 18.44 with ORIF and 14.67 with MIS (p=0.28). Mean AOFAS in the MIS group was 82.58 (66.67% good and 33.33% fair) and was 89.56 (44.44% excellent, 55.56% good, 0 fair/poor) with ORIF (p=0.034). Two patients who underwent ORIF had a major complication (one deep infection and Sural nerve injury each) while none in the MIS group.


CONCLUSIONS
MIS methods minimized soft tissue complications and achieved comparable radiological reductions but clinical outcomes were poorer, with percutaneous methods having the worst outcomes.
UCMS and GTB Hospital, India. Electronic address: ankit24388@gmail.com.
Ankit
A
Khurana
Department of Orthopaedics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Electronic address: drdhillon@gmail.com.
Mandeep S
MS
Dhillon
Department of Orthopaedics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Electronic address: sharad.ortho@gmail.com.
Sharad
S
Prabhakar
PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Electronic address: rakeshjohn23@gmail.com.
Rakesh
R
John
D000328:Adult; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D000072039:Fracture Dislocation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS); Calcaneum fracture; Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs); Extensile lateral approach; Minimally invasive surgery (MIS)