Study on the method of using absorbable screws combined with cannulated screws to treat calcaneal fractures using talar calcaneal distraction technique

Abstract Background: For intra-articular fractures with displaced posterior articular surface of calcaneus, more and more studies have shown that surgical treatment has better functional outcomes than non-surgical treatment. However, it is difficult to correct calcaneal inversion and restore calcaneal length and width during surgery, and traditional fracture fixation methods have many problems. The aim of this study was to explore the method of treating calcaneal fractures by using talar calcaneal distraction technique and absorbable screws combined with cannulated screws through a tarsal sinus incision. Methods: Thirty-five patients with Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures were divided into two groups according to the treatment methods. The patients were treated with calcaneal talar distraction technique through tarsal sinus incision with plate fixation (17 cases) and calcaneal talar distraction through tarsal sinus incision with absorbable screws combined with cannulated screws (19 cases).The height, width, Böhler angle, and Gissane angle of the calcaneus were measured preoperative, postoperative and at the last follow-up. The AOFAS score of the ankle joint was recorded at the last follow-up. Results All 35 patients were followed up for 10-17 (13.19 ± 1.47) months in group A and 9-18 (13.45 ± 2.80) months in group B. At the last follow-up, the calcaneal height, width, Böhler angle and Gissane angleof the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05); there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P ＞0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in AOFAS scores between the two groups (P ＞0.05). Conclusion The calcaneal-talar distraction technique using absorbable screws combined with hollow screws through the tarsal sinus incision to treat calcaneal fractures has the advantages of less trauma, simple reduction, and fewer complications. Its efficacy is equivalent to that of the traditional tarsal sinus incision using steel plates for fixation.