Stable Clinical and Radiological Outcomes at Medium and over 5 Year Follow Up of Calcaneus Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation Using a Sinus Tarsi Approach

Abstract

The sinus tarsi approach is increasingly growing in popularity for open reduction internal fixation of calcaneus fractures. Multiple studies have demonstrated favorable short-term results compared to the traditional extensile L incision, however long-term data over 5 years is currently limited to a single retrospective case series. Following local ethical approval, all patients who had completed a minimum 5 years from time of operation were contacted with a Standardized Telephone Questionnaire completed. This followed a previous retrospective chart review, with follow up telephone or clinic consultation performed by Davey et al. of this cohort at mean 35 months. Thirty-four fractures (31 patients) completed minimum 5 year follow up from the eligible group of 54 fractures (49 patients). Regarding functional outcomes, a significant improvement in mean Maryland Foot Score was observed between short- (mean 35.8 months) and medium-term (mean 81.9 months) of 77.6 (SD 15.0) to 86 (SD 7.9) (p = .0082). There was no significant difference in postoperative and long term radiographic Bohler's angle (p = .9683). Eleven feet (32%) proceeded to require reoperation, with removal of metal performed in 10 (29%), fusion in 2 (6%), and skin grafting following wound breakdown for 1 (3%). Four feet (12.9%) experienced post operative wound complications, including 3 (9.68%) cases of infection and 2 (6.45%) of delayed wound healing. This study demonstrated stable clinical and radiographic outcomes over 5 years following Calcaneus Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation using a sinus tarsi approach, supporting its continued usage when treating intraarticular calcaneus fractures for which operative intervention is indicated.