Complications when using threaded K-wire fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients treated at a level one trauma centre for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures by a single trauma surgeon between January 1998 and July 2007. Patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation utilising the extended lateral incision and a new type of fixation not described before. Threaded 1.575 mm (0.062 in.) Kirschner wires (K-wires) were used for fixation post-operatively along with standard plates, screws and bone substitute. There were 278 fractures in 246 patients that were treated with ORIF for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures during this 9-year period. Standard calcaneal lateral approach and hardware was supplemented with percutaneous threaded K-wires. An average of 5.0 fully threaded 1.575 mm K-wires were inserted per calcaneal fracture. Five (1.8%) patients had a K-wire infection; 0.6% of all K-wires became infected and 3.1% of K-wires broke. Lateral calcaneal apical wound issues are minimised and patients experience an overall low complication rate. The fixation also ensures non-weightbearing compliance.