Bipul Borthakur, Manasjyoti Das
BACKGROUND Calcaneus fractures are the most common tarsal bone fractures accounting to 2% of all tarsal bone fractures. These fractures are mostly associated with high energy trauma. The aspects of soft tissue healing, ease of operation, anatomic reduction, use of low cost implants and functional outcome by open reduction with minimal hardware is presented here. MATERIALS AND METHODS 26 displaced intra-articular fractures in 23 patients were treated by open reduction and minimal hardware (2mm subchondral K-wire and recon plate) from January 2013 to January 2015. The group consisted of 21 male patients and 2 female patients; almost all of them sustained injury following fall from height or axial loading. Average age was 34.2 years. A follow up of minimum 2 years is done for assessment of functional outcome. RESULTS The results are assessed by Maryland foot score. Radiological evaluation for changes in Bohler’s and Gissane angles before and after injury is assessed. Follow up of minimum 2 year is done. Soft tissue at operative site is assessed at day 14 of surgery. CONCLUSION We conclude that osteosynthesis with open reduction and minimal hardware provides excellent soft tissue outcome as well as functional results with greater return to work. The technique used is easy to perform, requires less soft tissue dissection, shorter operative time and lesser burden of cost of implant on the patients.
