Evaluation of Long-Term Quality of Life Using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) Questionnaire in Patients Treated by Minimally Invasive Reduction and Percutaneous Stabilization of Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures.

BACKGROUND Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures is controversial. Choosing the optimal surgical technique is very important for patient quality of life and activity. In this study, we asked the question: "What is the long-term quality of life of patients after intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated by minimally invasive reduction and percutaneous stabilization (MIRPS)?". MATERIAL AND METHODS We included 51 patients - 45 males (88%) and 6 females (12%) - who underwent MIRPS of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. The males were ages 22-63 years, with a mean age of 46 years, while the females were aged 31-63, with a mean age of 47 years. The FAOS (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score) survey was used. RESULTS Women's FAOS scores were 72-95%, with a mean of 82%, and varied according to type of fracture, surgery method used, and comorbid fractures. Men's FAOS scores were 50-95%, with a mean of 84%, and varied according to type of fracture, surgery method used, and comorbid fractures. CONCLUSIONS According to set criteria regarding the FAOS scale, mainly good and very good results were observed in patients treated surgically for intra-articular calcaneus fractures using MIRPS. Westhues' method scored a significantly higher foot rating than W-R (Westhues'-Rąpała method). Patients with TTF (tongue-type fracture) scored higher in the FAOS than patients treated with JDTF (joint depression-type fracture). In other cases, no significant differences were observed.