Minimally Invasive (sinus tarsi) Approach for Treatment of Displaced Intraarticular Calcaneal Fractures.

The surgical treatment of displaced intra articular calcaneal fractures has been controversial in the past, soft tissue issues and coexisting medical conditions need to be considered. The minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach may be used to ensure stability, anatomic reduction of the fracture, and preservation of soft tissue. The purpose of this prospective thesis was to evaluate the result of fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures using the sinus tarsi approach. Methods: This prospective clinical study included twenty patients suffering from recent displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures from August 2023 to August 2024 that were treated by open reduction and internal fixation through a minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach in the orthopaedic department of the Faculty of Medicine Minia universit. After 6 months of follow-up, the mean AOFAS score was 85.91±13.56, which ranged from 30 to 100. The mean Bohler angle was 28.5°, and the mean Gissane angle was 127.75°. Regarding patients’s outcomes according to the AOFAS scale, 7 patients (35%) showed excellent results, 12 (60%) of patients showed good results, and 1 (5%) of patients showed poor results. Conclusion: The sinus tarsi approach is a less invasive method for the treatment of calcaneal fractures. It permits good stabilization of the depressed part of the articular surface and allows anatomic reduction of articular surfaces with a decrease in wound complications and a shorter waiting time before surgery. It is a valid option for treatment for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures, with more advantages than Sanders types II and III.