Minimally invasive dual incision with mini plate internal fixation improves outcomes over 30 months in 20 patients with Sanders type III calcaneal fractures

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal Sanders type III or higher fractures traditionally have been treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF); however, ORIF has associated complications. We investigated a combination of minimally invasive dual incision and internal fixation using mini plates for treating Sanders type III calcaneal fractures. METHODS: Twenty patients with Sanders type III intra-articular calcaneal fractures with a posterior subtalar articular displacement > 2 mm were included. Surgical outcomes were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, and calcaneal geometry, including Böhler and Gissane angles. RESULTS: The Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and height and length of the calcaneus were increased following treatment. Based on the AOFAS score, 80% of cases had excellent or good outcomes. The mean postoperative VAS pain score was 1.6. Complications such as malunion or a screw positioning deviation occurred in 6 patients, and one patient experienced delayed wound healing. There were no wound infections. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that minimally invasive dual incision with mini plate internal fixation may be an effective alternative to ORIF for treating Sanders type III calcaneal fractures. Advantages include improvement of calcaneal geometry and a lower rate of wound infections.