[Closed reduction and internal fixation versus transtarsal sinus small incision internal fixation for Sanders type II calcaneal fractures].

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of closed reduction and internal fixation with limited transtarsal sinus incision in the treatment of Sanders type II calcaneal fractures.

Methods: From June 2015 to February 2018, 60 patients with Sanders type II calcaneal fractures were treated by minimally invasive method. According to the different treatment methods, they were divided into two groups: closed prying reduction and internal fixation with hollow nails(group A) and limited transtarsal sinus incision internal fixation (group B). There were 34 cases in group A, including 22 males and 12 females, aged 21 to 60(38.90±3.25) years old, 14 cases of Sanders type IIA, 14 cases of Sanders type IIB and 6 cases of Sanders type IIC. There were 20 cases in group B, including 14 males and 6 females, aged 20 to 59(39.20±2.96) years old, 8 cases of Sanders type IIA, 9 cases of Sanders type IIB and 3 cases of Sanders type IIC. Calcaneal height, calcaneal width, Gissane angle and Bohler angle were measured before and after operation. The complications, hospitalization time and cost were compared. Functional evaluation was performed by AOFAS score system one year after operation.

Results: Fifty-four cases were followed up for 6 to 16(11.40±2.55) months and 6 cases were lost. All the wounds healed in grade A without complications such as skin infection and necrosis. There were 1 case of nerve injury in group A, 2 cases of tendon entrapment, 2 cases of nerve injury in group B, there was no significant difference(>0.05). There was no significant difference in calcaneal width, height, Bohlers angle and Gissane angle between group A and group B (>0.05). There was no significant difference in AOFAS score between group A and group B(89.2±4.7 vs 88.7±4.8, >0.05). The hospitalization expenditure and length of stay in group A were(5 021.25±1 047.19) yuan, (6.31±4.75) d, and those in group B were(13 591.35±1 975.21) yuan, (9.65±3.42) d, respectively, with significant difference(<0.05).

Conclusions: Closed reduction and internal fixation is as effective as transtarsal sinus incision reduction and internal fixation for Sanders typeIIfracture. It has the advantages of less trauma and fewer complications. Closed reduction and hollow nail fixation group can significantly shorten hospitalization time, reduce hospitalization costs, and is more economical. It is worth recommending, but attention should be paid to avoid choosing to comminute serious calcaneal fracture.