Sinus tarsi approach vs. extensile lateral approach for intra-articular calcaneal fracture

Abstract

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The options of operative treatment for intra-articular calcaneal fracture still remains controversial. Extensile lateral approach allow excellent exposure to fracture, but bring high rate of wound complications. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of intra-articular calcaneal fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation via an extensile lateral versus. Sinus tarsi approach Methods: Prospective study of 62 intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation between 2014, October to 2017, June. 29 were treated with extensile lateral approach with calcaneal locking plate(Wright medical, Tennessee), 33 sinus tarsi approach(4 cases need additional mini medial incision approaches for SanderIII AC, BC) with mini-calcaneal locking plate(Normed, Florida). Durations until operation, operative time, foot functional index(total score), visual analog scale, SF-36, Bohler’s angle, angle of Gissane, wound complications and duration of hospital stay were recorded post-operatively and minimal 6 months follow up. Results: Compared 2 groups with demographic datas.Average duration until operation; extensile group was 13.32 days, sinus tarsi group was 6.08 days, p <0.001. Operative time; extensile group was 123.41minutes vs. sinus tarsi group was 91.20 minutes, p <0.001. Wound complications was 24.13% in extensile group vs. 6.06% in sinus tarsi group, p =0.045, Duration of post-operative admission was 6.68 days in extensile group vs. 3.10 days in sinus tarsi group p <0.001 FFI last visits was 25.36 in extensile group vs. 25.65 in sinus tarsi group, p =0.969, VAS activity was 29.68 in extensile group vs. 28.54 in sinus tarsi group, p=0.271. Conclusion: Sinus tarsi approach with mini-calcaneal locking plate was a great option for treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fracture. This approach brought lower rate of wound complications, earlier operations, shorter operation times and shorter hospital stay compared to extensile lateral approach.