Percutaneous Fixation of Intraarticular Calcaneus Fractures

The method of arthroscopically assisted percutaneous reduction and screw fixation is an alternative treatment of selected intraarticular calcaneus fractures (Sanders type II) to reduce the risk of wound complications and improve patient comfort while ensuring anatomical reduction of the posterior calcaneal facet. The results compare favorably to those after open reduction and internal fixation in patients with similar fracture patterns. Surgery should be performed within 1 week after the injury. If anatomical reduction by means of percutaneous manipulation is impossible because of deep impaction of the posterior facet fragment or soft tissue interposition, open reduction via a lateral approach becomes necessary. Unless open reduction is contraindicated, the uniform and indifferent application of percutaneous reduction methods to all calcaneal fractures is not encouraged to avoid malreduction of the articular surface or damage to the soft tissues during repeated reduction attempts.