FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DISPLACED INTRAARTICULAR CALCANEAL FRACTURES

Objective: Displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures (DIACFs) represent a source of potential disability to the patient, an economic burden to society, and a treatment challenge to the average orthopedic surgeon. Despite a lack of evidence of whether operative management is superior to non-operative management, there is a trend favoring the former. Methods: Based on clinical and radiological examination patients were admitted in the hospital from April 2021 to September 2022 and were divided into 2 groups A and B. Group A (33) patients were managed conservatively and Group B (33) patients were managed by operative procedure. Each patient was followed up at 3 mo, 9 mo, and 1 y from injury. Appropriate lateral and axial view x-rays done at 3 mo and 1 y follow-ups and a radiological assessment was done. The ROWES score was assessed and recorded at each of these follow-ups. Results: The duration of stay, Bohlers angle, ROM at 3 mo, and ROWE’s score at 3 mo, 9 mo, and 12 mo show statistically significant differences among the groups with more duration of stay in the ORIF group, greater Bohlers angle in ORIF and more ROM at 3 mo, ROWE’s score at 3, 9 and 12 mo in ORIF as compared to the conservative group. Conclusion: We came to the conclusion that displaced intra-articular calcaneum fractures can be treated better and more effectively with open reduction and internal fixation with a pre-contoured calcaneum locking plate as compared to conservative treatment.