Purpose:To assess the clinical and radiographic results and complications of arthroscopy-assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation for patients with tongue-type Sanders type II calcaneal fractures.
Materials and Methods:Between August 2014 and December 2015, 10 patients who underwent surgery using subtalar arthroscopic assisted reduction and percutaneous fixation for tongue-type Sanders type II calcaneal fractures were reviewed. The mean age was 50.8 years (36∼62 years), and the mean follow-up period was 24 months (12∼40 months). The clinical results were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score at the regular follow-ups, and the foot function index (FFI) at the last follow-up. The subtalar range of motion (ROM) was evaluated and compared with the uninjured limb at the last follow-up. The radiographic results were assessed using the Böhler's angle from the plain radiographs and the reduction of the posterior calcaneal facet using computed tomography (CT). The postoperative complications were assessed by a chart review.
Results:The VAS and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score improved until 12 months after surgery. The FFI was 15 (1.8∼25.9) and subtalar ROM was 75.5% (60%∼100%) compared to the uninjured limb at the last follow-up. The Böhler's angle was increased significantly from 2° (-14°∼18°) preoperatively to 21.8° (20°∼28°) at the last follow-up. The reduction of the posterior facet was graded as excellent in five feet (50.0%) and good in five (50.0%) on CT obtained at 12 months after surgery. One foot (10.0%) had subfibular pain due to a prominent screw head. One foot (10.0%) had pain due to a longitudinal tear of the peroneal tendon that occurred during screw insertion.Conclusion: Subtalar arthroscopic-assisted reduction of the posterior calcaneal facet of the subtalar joint and percutaneous fixation is a useful surgical method for tongue-type Sanders type II calcaneal fractures.