Surgical treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures by a minimally invasive technique using a locking nail: A preliminary study

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated using a minimally invasive locking nail (Calcanail (R)).Methods: Between January 2016 and April 2017, 15 patients (9 men and 6 women) with a calcaneal fracture were consecutively treated with Calcanail (R). The Bohler angle was recorded on standard X-rays pre- and post-operatively. The articular reduction of the posterior facet was evaluated with the Goldzak index in a CT scan 3 months post-operatively. The mean age of the patients was 53 years (range, 24-78). Mean final follow-up was 18 months (range, 12-24).Results: Six fractures were classified as Sanders II, 7 as Sanders III and 2 as Sanders IV. In 13 out of the 15 patients treated, the post-operative Bohler angle was of more than 20 degrees. Goldzak index was deemed as excellent in 73.5% of the cases (11 patients), good in 20% of cases (3 patients), and poor in 6.5% (1 patient). Post-operative mean AOFAS score was 85 (range, 60-96).Conclusions: The Calcanail (R) provides good restoration of the subtalar joint and the calcaneal angles with the advantages of a minimally invasive approach. It was effectively used in Sanders types II and III, even in the presence of poor cutaneous conditions. (C) 2018 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.