Radiological and Functional Outcomes of Operatively Treated Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) remain a challenging injury because they are associated with substantial functional impairment, complex fracture anatomy, and a risk of wound-related and long-term complications. 1,2Although operative treatment is widely used for displaced fractures, the optimal management strategy remains controversial because the potential benefits of anatomical restoration must be balanced against soft-tissue complications and variable functional outcomes. 3,4Recent literature suggests that surgical management can provide acceptable clinical and radiographic results, and minimally invasive approaches may reduce wound morbidity compared with extensile exposure in selected patients. 5,6owever, the relationship between radiographic restoration and postoperative function remains uncertain. 7,8While some studies have shown that restoration of the Böhler angle and angle of Gissane is associated with better functional outcome, others have found that radiographic parameters alone do not reliably predict postoperative recovery. 8,9Similarly, the role of adjunctive bone grafting remains debated, as current evidence has not consistently demonstrated a clear functional advantage. 10,11Taken together, these findings indicate that 1,