Percutaneous Cannulated Screws for Treatment of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Prospective Study

Background: Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) remains controversialand challenging to orthopaedic surgeons. Several procedures were used to treat DIACFs. There is nosingle approach that is universally applicable to all DIACFs. Objective:-The aim of this prospective studywas to evaluate functional and radiographic outcomes of closed reduction and percutaneous cannulatedscrews fixation in treatment of Sanders type II & III DIACFs. Patients and methods: A prospective studywas conducted on 14 patients (17 feet) with Sanders’ type II or III DIACFs, treated by closed reductionand fixation using cannulated screws, at orthopedics department of Sohag university hospital, betweenJune 2020 and April 2022. Functional assessment was done by AOFAS score and VAS for pain.Radiographic assessment was done by measurement of three calcaneal angles (Gissane, Böhler’s andposterior facet inclination angles) and three calcaneal distances (height, length and width of calcaneus).Results: The mean age of patients at time of operation was 34.8 years. Vast majority of patients weremales (78.6%). Involvement of right side was 57.1%. Mean operative time was 57 minutes. Mean AOFASscore was 85.9 points. Mean time of radiographic union was 8.9 weeks. Conclusion: The techniqueavoided wound complications associated with ORIF with advantage of shorter hospital stay. Patients aresatisfied and had lower rate of subtalar arthritis.