Limited sinus tarsi approach for intra-articular calcaneus fractures

Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures has a historically high rate of wound complications, so the most optimal operative approach has been a topic of investigation. This study reviews the radiographic and clinical outcomes of the use of the sinus tarsi approach for operative fixation of these fractures with attention to the rate of infection and restoration of angular measurements.

The radiographs and charts of 20 patients with 22 calcaneal fractures were reviewed to assess for restoration of angular and linear dimensions of the calcaneus as well as time to radiographic union. Secondary outcome measures included the rate of postoperative infection, osteomyelitis, revision surgeries, and nonunion.

We found a statistically significant restoration of Böhler's angle and calcaneal width. Three of the 22 cases had a superficial wound infection. One patient had revision surgery for symptomatic hardware removal. There were no events of osteomyelitis, deep infection, malunion, or nonunion.

We found that the sinus tarsi approach yielded similar outcomes to those reported in the literature.

Level IV, retrospective case series.