A novel distractor-assisted reduction combined with the sinus tarsi approach for joint depression-type calcaneal fractures.

Purpose: A novel percutaneous distractor with the advantage of axial and direct distraction was designed for the minimally invasive treatment of calcaneal fractures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical results and complications of a novel distractor combined with sinus tarsi approach (STA) in treatment of the joint depression-type of calcaneal fractures.

Methods: Fifty-four patients with the depression-type of calcaneal fractures (30 Sanders type II, 22 Sanders type III, 2 Sanders type IV) who were subjected to the novel distractor combined with STA were retrospectively assessed. Calcaneal height, width, and length; Bohler's angle; and the Gissane angle were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores from the last follow-up. Complications were also recorded.

Results: Fifty-two patients achieved an average follow-up of 24.3 months (range 18 to 34 months), and two patients were lost to follow-up six months post-operatively. There was significant difference between pre-operative and post-operative calcaneal height, width, and length; Bohler's angle; and Gissane angle (p < 0.01), but no significant difference was detected between the post-operative and normal side Bohler's angle (p > 0.05). The AOFAS ankle and hind foot score was 88.4 ± 6.6, and the VAS score was 1.9 ± 0.7 at the last follow-up. Nine (17.3%) patients developed complications: One experienced skin necrosis and two had screws loosening; three patients developed early degenerative changes of the subtalar joint; two had no symptoms; one had light pain around the subtalar joint without medical treatment; complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) developed in one patient after seven months post-operatively; and two developed transient ankle stiffness.

Conclusion: The novel distractor combined with the STA effectively reconstructs the facet depression-type of calcaneal fractures (sanders type II and III) with minimal complications.