Current Management of Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Intra-articular calcaneal fractures are severe injuries impacting patient quality of life.
• Surgical intervention is often necessary for displaced or comminuted fractures.
• Potential complications arise from limited blood supply and fragile soft tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review surgical approaches for intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
• To highlight the risks and benefits associated with different surgical techniques.
• To emphasize individualized treatment planning based on patient-specific factors.

Main Methods:

• Review of common surgical approaches: lateral extensile, sinus tarsi, and percutaneous.
• Discussion of factors influencing surgical approach selection.
• Analysis of potential surgical complications.

Main Results:

• Each surgical approach (lateral extensile, sinus tarsi, percutaneous) has distinct risks and benefits.
• Fracture complexity, patient health, and soft tissue condition are critical considerations.
• No single approach is universally optimal.

Conclusions:

• Optimal surgical approach selection for calcaneal fractures is multifactorial.
• Patient comorbidities, fracture patterns, soft tissue status, and pre-injury function guide decision-making.
• Personalized surgical strategies are essential for favorable outcomes.