Operative Versus Non-Operative Treatment for Closed Displaced intra-articular Fractures of the Calcaneum

Despite years of study, there is no consensus on the best method for treatment of intraarticular calcaneum fracture. This study aims to compare the outcome of operative versus nonoperative modality of management in intraarticular displaced calcaneum fractures over one year.

This is a prospective study carried out at a tertiary care hospital over a period of 2 years: 2017 to 2018 in Surat, Gujarat, India. In this period, out of 49 fractures 25, were treated non-operatively and 24 by operative method (11 Open Reduction Internal Fixation ORIF plating, 13 Minimally Invasive Surgery – (MIS). The outcome was recorded using American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and radiographs up to 1-year post injury. The assessment was made using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method.

Operative method of management of intraarticular calcaneal fractures had a significantly better (95% confidence) functional outcome at 3 month compared to non-operative management. However, at 6 and 12 months follow ups the difference between them become insignificant. Non-operative management, however, had more complications as compared to operative management.

Operative modality even in experienced hands has better outcome in terms of AOFAS score and radiographically compared to non-operative method in treatment of intraarticular displaced calcaneal fractures only in first few months. At 6 and 12 months follow up, the functional outcomes become similar.