Non-Operative Treatment of Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures

Treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fracture is a major orthopaedic challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of non-operative treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures، its effects and performance. In a retrospective study، 58 patients (44 males، 14 females) with intra-articular calcaneal fracture were evaluated clinically and radiographically using a general performance and AOFAS، and FFI questionnaires between 2003 and 2011 in Tehran، Iran. The mean follow-up time was 3. 27 years (2-6 years). Radiographic signs of osteoarthrities were also evaluated. The mean age of patients was 38. 4 (18-85 years). Ten cases (17. 2%) were «tangue» and 48 (82. 8%) «joint depression» type. Spine injury was abserved in 13. 8%، other limb injuries in 27. 6%، and head injury in 3. 4% of the cases. The mean AOFAS score was 79. 14 and FFI score 24. 7. Osteoarthritis of moderate degree was seen in 48% and severe in 17% of the cases an radiographs. By the time of follow-up، 5 patients had required surgeries to treat the delayed complications. Treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fracture is a real challenge. Close treatment، although maybe painless and give comparable results with open surgery in AOFAS and FFI testing، will show radiographic signs of osteoarthirits in about 50% of the time-even in short or mid-term follow-up.