Sinus Tarsi Approach with Subcutaneously Delivered Plate Fixation for Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Skeletal Reconstruction

Background:

• Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures require surgical intervention for optimal outcomes.
• Traditional open reduction and internal fixation, particularly the extensile lateral approach, are associated with significant wound-healing complications.
• Minimally invasive techniques are emerging as alternatives with potentially lower complication rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a minimally invasive surgical technique for treating displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the sinus tarsi approach with subcutaneous plate fixation.
• To compare the outcomes of this technique with traditional open reduction and internal fixation methods.

Main Methods:

• The study outlines a surgical technique employing the sinus tarsi approach for fracture reduction.
• Subcutaneous plate fixation is utilized for internal fixation.
• This minimally invasive approach aims to achieve adequate reduction while minimizing soft tissue disruption.

Main Results:

• Minimally invasive techniques, including the sinus tarsi approach, achieve reduction quality comparable to the extensile lateral approach.
• These techniques demonstrate a reduction in postoperative complications, particularly wound-healing issues.
• Subcutaneous plate fixation via the sinus tarsi approach offers a viable alternative with improved patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The sinus tarsi approach with subcutaneous plate fixation is an effective minimally invasive treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
• This method provides comparable reduction to traditional approaches but with a lower incidence of surgical site complications.
• This technique represents a valuable option for orthopedic surgeons managing calcaneal fractures.