OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with articular fractures of the calcaneus treated between December 2000 and August 2007 by minimally invasive surgical technique, with emphasis on results and complications. METHODS: Retrospective study of 21 patients with 22 displaced fractures of the calcaneus, treated with open or closed reduction and minimal fixation. In the 16 patients for whom open reduction was required, right lateral access was used and plates or bone grafting were not used at all. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was three years, varying from 6 to 82 months. The Maryland Foot Score and the hindfoot score of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society were used in the clinical evaluation of the patients. Nineteen feet (86.4%) had good/excellent results and three feet (13.6%) had regular/poor results. No patient had an acute complication of the surgical wound, either soft tissue necrosis or infection. CONCLUSION: Less invasive surgical techniques and minimal fixation allow for clinical results similar to those of more aggressive techniques, but without having a significant number of complications in soft tissues or infections.
Calcaneus; Fractures, bone; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive; Treatment outcome; Retrospective studies
