Treatment of intra-articular calcaneus fractures – a review of current treatment options

Abstract

Treatment of calcaneal fractures remains a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon and is still controversial. There is no consensus on whether surgery is a better option that non-operative treatment. The indications for non-operative treatment are non-displaced extra-articular fractures and intra-articular fractures with fragment displacement of less than 2 mm on CT image (Sanders type 1) This type of treatment should be considered in patients with peripheral vascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, uncooperative patients and in poor general health. Open repositioning and internal stabilization with LCP plateand screws is now considered the gold standard in the surgical treatment of DIACF. Despite the atraumatic surgical technique and modification of operational approach (limited-incision sinus tarsi approach [STA]) the risk of local complications is as high as 18 percent. Hence the observed constant development of minimally invasive methods. Their aim is to reduce the number of complications in relation to the ORIF method while ensuring anatomical reposition and equally stable osteosynthesis. The most popular minimally invasive techniques include closed reposition using the Westhus method and stabilisation with Kirschner wires, cannulated screws, treatment with external fixators or percutaneous balloon plasty. Each of the techniques listed above can be successfully used to treat transarticular fractures as early as the first few days after injury. The problem is the stability of the union, the quality of reduction and its maintenance until union is achieved and the long period of required weight relief of the operated limb.The methods using intramedullary nails offer new possibilities among minimally invasive techniques. The technique of surgery and implant designs differ significantly, but the possibility of correct reposition, the stability of osteosynthesis and the results of treatment obtained, according to the authors of the studies, are promising. Ultimately, the choice of the method of surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures should be selected taking into account the type of fracture, comorbidities, local condition of periarticular tissues as well as the experience and preferences of the operator. It seems that due to the development of imaging techniques and the lower number of complications after minimally invasive procedures, further development of these techniques should be expected.