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We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of Sanders type III calcaneal fractures treated with percutaneous prodding reduction and K-wire fixation via a sinus tarsi approach (PPRKF) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Fifty-one patients with closed, unilateral, Sanders type III calcaneal fractures were randomly assigned to the PPRKF group (n = 26) or the ORIF group (n = 25). The clinical outcomes evaluated were time to surgery, blood loss, operative time, hospital stay, wound healing time, wound complications, and Maryland foot score. Radiological results were evaluated on lateral and axial X-rays and computed tomography images and included Böhler's angle, Gissane's angle, and calcaneal width. Compared with the ORIF group, the PPRKF group had shorter time to surgery, shorter operative time, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, shorter wound healing time, and fewer wound complications (p.001). The postoperative Böhler's angle, Gissane's angle, and calcaneal width in both groups were significantly better than those measured preoperatively (p.001) and did not differ between the PPRKF group and ORIF group (p.05). Regarding clinical results, there was no significant difference in Maryland foot score between the two groups at 12 months after surgery (p.05). Both PPRKF and ORIF can result in satisfactory clinical function. PPRKF is superior to ORIF in reducing the time to surgery, operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, wound healing time, and wound complications.

Background: The sural nerve (SN) is a sensory cutaneous nerve that is at risk of iatrogenic injury during surgery at the lateral ankle. Prior anatomic studies of the SN are limited primarily to cadaveric studies with small sample sizes. Our study analyzed a large cohort of magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the ankle to obtain a more generalizable, in vivo sample of distal SN course. Methods: A total of 204 3-tesla MRI studies of the ankle were analyzed. Three reviewers measured the distance from the SN to various landmarks including the distal tip of the lateral malleolus (DTLM) and the lateral border of the Achilles tendon (LBA). Results: Mean vertical distance from SN to DTLM was 2.2 cm (range, 0.9-3.6 cm). Mean horizontal distance from SN to DTLM and to LBA at the level of DTLM was 1.7 cm (range, 0.8-3.0 cm) and 1.9 cm (range, 1.0-2.9 cm), respectively. Mean horizontal distance from SN to LBA at the level of superior Achilles tendon insertion onto the calcaneus (SAI) was 2.6 cm (range, 1.4-3.7 cm), and mean horizontal distance from SN to LBA at 5 cm above SAI was 0.9 cm (range, 0.4-1.8 cm). Conclusion: The variation in SN course observed in our study allowed us to propose “safe zones” for several surgical approaches including the extensile lateral approach to the calcaneus (ELAC), the sinus tarsi approach (STA), the direct lateral approach to the lateral malleolus (DLA), and the posterolateral approach to the ankle (PLA), which we hope will minimize iatrogenic injury to the SN. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Treatment of calcaneal fractures has to be tailored to the individual pathoanatomy. If operative treatment is chosen, anatomic reconstruction of the calcaneal shape and joint surfaces is mandatory. For most of the displaced, intraarticular fractures, this can be achieved by less invasive reduction and fixation via a sinus tarsi approach, which may be extended along the "lateral utility" line for calcaneocuboid joint involvement or calcaneal fracture-dislocations. Purely percutaneous fixation is the treatment of choice for displaced extraarticular fractures and simple intraarticular fractures with adequate control of joint reduction. Specific approaches are used for rare calcaneal fracture variants.

Background: Lateral lengthening calcaneal osteotomy (LL-CO) is commonly performed as a treatment for an abducted midfoot in pes planovalgus deformity. The purpose of this study is to investigate potential damage to medial structures with a sinus tarsi LL-CO. Methods: Sixteen cadaver feet were used. Eight feet had an extended lateral approach, and 8 had a limited lateral (sinus tarsi) approach. All underwent a sinus tarsi LL-CO. Specimens were then dissected to identify inadvertent injury to medial structures. Results: Sinus tarsi LL-CO was associated with damage to the sustentaculum tali and medial articular facets in 56% and 62.5% of specimens, respectively. No anterior or posterior facet injuries were found, although 56% of specimens had a confluent medial and anterior facet. Conclusion: Damage to the medial articular facet and sustentaculum is possible with a flat cut sinus tarsi LL-CO due to the curved nature of the relevant sinus tarsi and canal anatomy. Clinical Relevance: Sinus tarsi LL-CO needs to be performed with caution since damage to the subtalar joint is possible. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Over the last two decades there is a growing interest in the adult literature for subtalar joint arthroereisis. Parallel to this interest, there have been improvements in the design and biomechanics of the implant, although the main indication of subtalar joint arthroereisis in adults is not clear. Most studies show significant improvement in postoperative clinical scores and visual analog scores. Sinus tarsi pain, being the most common complication, is the main determinant of clinical satisfaction. This review focuses on the role and complications of subtalar joint arthroereisis in the adult population.

The sinus tarsi approach (STA) is a relatively novel and minimally invasive procedure that reduces soft tissue complications during surgery for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach by comparing the functional and radiographic outcomes obtained after the STA and the extensile lateral approach (ELA) in DIACF. The medical records of 73 patients underwent surgery for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The cases were divided into two groups. The first group classified as STA (n: 39) and the second one classified as ELA (n: 34). Pre-Postoperative Boehler-Gissane angle, calcaneal length, height and width, postoperative AOFAS scores, and postoperative complication rates for each case were recorded and statistically compared. The AOFAS score was 82.5±4.4 points in the STA group whereas it was 79.5±5.4 points in the ELA group (p: 0.01). According to AOFAS scoring, 74.4% of patients in the STA group had an excellent-good outcome, whereas it was 55.9% in the ELA group. The postoperative Boehler angles were 28.5±8.4 degrees in the STA group and 26.3±8.3 degrees in the ELA group (p: 0.26). The postoperative Gissane angles were 122.2±8.9 degrees in the STA group and 128.7±10.5 degrees in the ELA group (p:0.005). Superficial infection was observed in one patient in STA group. Wound infections and necrosis in four patients and non-union was seen in one patient in ELA group. Minimally invasive surgery with STA is a feasible and effective surgical treatment method that provides adequate postoperative radiological alignment and functional results and minimizes soft tissue dissection in DIACFs. [Med-Science 2021; 10(3.000): 752-57]

Introduction The minimally invasive approach for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures is significantly reducing postoperative wound complications. One minimally invasive method, the sinus tarsi approach (STA) has been increasingly widely used. STA is, however, challenging due to its technical demands and the risk of injury to the sural nerve (SN). The purpose of this study was to identify the SN and its branches including their anatomical relationship to the STA as well as to describe an anatomical windows technique for STA including determination of the safe angle for screw insertion into the sustentaculum tali fragment. Methods Thirty-two adult cadaveric legs were disarticulated at the knee and unpaired. STA was performed on each specimen. The anatomy and distribution of the sural nerve and its branches were identified in relation to the incision. Three surgical windows were identified and selected. Kirshner wires were inserted in pairs via each of the windows towards the center of the sustentaculum tali. The safe angle for wire insertion in relation to the SN or its branches was then measured as well as the appropriate intraoperative drilling angle. Results The plantar branch presented in the distal window in none of the samples, while the dorsal branches presented in 37.5% and the main SN presented in only 6.25%. In the middle window, the dorsal branch presented most often (43.75%) followed by the plantar branch (25.00%) and the SN (21.88%). In the proximal window, the SN presented in 100% of the samples, while the dorsal branch presented in none and the plantar branch presented in about 15.63% of the specimens. All three windows had their own acceptable average angle for screw insertion towards the sustentaculum tali. Conclusions The distal window is the safest for surgical approach and for calcaneal surgery screw fixation in terms of avoiding sural nerve injury. In addition, that window provides a wide working angle for screw fixation.

Tourniquets are commonly used during foot and ankle surgery to provide a bloodless operative field and increase surgical comfort, despite the potential risks associated with it. This study compared postoperative outcomes of tourniquet-assisted and non-tourniquet-assisted operative fixation of calcaneal fractures via the sinus tarsi approach. A retrospective study from March 2015 to December 2018 revealed 131 patients with closed calcaneal fractures who underwent minimally invasive surgery at our hospital. Visualization, operating time, blood loss, and postoperative pain were collected. Patients in the tourniquet group (n = 62) were compared with patients in the non-tourniquet group (n = 69). The visibility of the surgical field was fair/poor in 2 cases in the tourniquet group and fair/poor in 19 cases in the non-tourniquet group (P

Localisation and injection of the sinus tarsi can be challenging, particularly for the less experienced musculoskeletal sonographer/practitioner. The inferior extensor retinaculum arises from the sinus tarsi in the form of three roots (medial, intermediate and lateral) which are collectively termed the frondiform ligament. This is readily identified on ultrasound and can be used as a reference point to aid the safe delivery of injectate material into the sinus tarsi. This article describes the technique and its anatomical basis.

The direct lateral approach to the subtalar joint through the IFT portal provides safe and speedy access to reach the posterior aspect of the subtalar joint and the ankle joint. This viewing portal allows for excellent visualization that extend from the posteromedial corner to the lateral joint space and anterolateral corner of the subtalar joint. Two working portals comprising of the posterolateral and sinus tarsi portals are safely made to enable visualization from the IFT portal. These portals are also useful to observe the CFL and interosseous talocalcaneal ligament.

AimsNo randomized comparative study has compared the extensile lateral approach (ELA) and sinus tarsi approach (STA) for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. This randomized comparative study was conducted to confirm whether the STA was prone to fewer wound complications than the ELA.MethodsBetween August 2013 and August 2018, 64 patients with Sanders type 2 calcaneus fractures were randomly assigned to receive surgical treatment by the ELA (32 patients) and STA (32 patients). The primary outcome was development of wound complications. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, pain scored of a visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, 36-item Short Form health survey, operative duration, subtalar joint range of motion (ROM), Böhler’s angle and calcaneal width, and posterior facet reduction.ResultsAlthough four patients (12.5%) in the ELA groups and none in the STA group experienced complications, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.113). VAS and AOFAS score were significantly better in the STA group than in the ELA group at six months (p = 0.017 and p = 0.021), but not at 12 months (p = 0.096 and p = 0.200) after surgery. The operation time was significantly shorter in the STA group than in the ELA group (p < 0.001). The subtalar joint ROM was significantly better in the STA group (p = 0.015). Assessment of the amount of postoperative reduction compared with the uninjured limb showed significant restoration of calcaneal width in the ELA group compared with that in the STA group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe ELA group showed higher frequency of wound complications than the STA group for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures even though this was not statistically significant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):286–293.

Objectives To (i) report the mid‐term outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis using Talar‐Fit implant for the treatment of flexible flatfoot patients; (ii) compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between arthroereisis with and without adjunctive operative procedures to investigate the effects of adjuncts on the outcomes; and (iii) analyze the risk factors associated with sinus tarsi pain, which is the most common postoperative complication of arthroereisis. Methods Thirty‐one flexible flatfoot children and adolescents (46 feet) treated with subtalar arthroereisis using Talar‐Fit implant from June 2014 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The feet were divided into four treatment groups: (i) arthroereisis alone, (ii) arthroereisis with gastrocnemius recession, (iii) arthroereisis with Kidner procedure, and (iv) arthroereisis with gastrocnemius recession and Kidner procedure. Clinical function was evaluated based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score. The following angles were measured for radiographic evaluation: talar‐first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and talar declination angle on the lateral view; and talar‐first metatarsal angle, talocalcaneal angle, and anteroposterior talonavicular coverage angle on the anteroposterior (AP) view. The paired Student's t‐test was used to compare the pre‐ and postoperative angular measurements and AOFAS scores. The Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was undertaken to determine the outcome differences among four treatment groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors for sinus tarsi pain. P value, The mid‐term clinical and radiographic results were satisfactory in flexible flatfoot children and adolescents who underwent subtalar arthroereisis, alone or in combination with other adjunctive procedures. Implant position was associated with postoperative sinus tarsi pain.

Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures are among the most difficult articular fractures to treat, with a high rate of potential complications. Is important to restore calcaneus posterior facet anatomy as well as calcaneus width, length, and height. The extensile lateral approach provides excellent fracture visualization and allows reduction of the displaced fracture fragments, but high complication rate has been described with this approach, so many studies favor the sinus tarsi approach. Recent evidence favoring sinus tarsi rather than the extensile lateral approach has shifted opinion toward this less invasive approach, which can be considered the new gold standard.

The quest for the best treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures continues. The open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures yields the best results if anatomic reduction is obtained and complications are avoided. The sinus tarsi approach is becoming the new gold standard. In cases with severe comminution or when anatomic reduction cannot be obtained, a primary subtalar arthrodesis is a valuable option, if the overall anatomy of the calcaneus is corrected first. This review discusses the open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures and the indications and technique of the primary arthrodesis.

Objectives To assess the outcome of the sinus tarsi approach and C-Nail fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs). Design Prospective study. Setting University Trauma Department. Patients Sixty-four patients (mean age 44.3 years, 48 men and 16 women) with 75 DIACFs were treated between October 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018. Intervention In all cases, the posterior facet was reduced through the sinus tarsi approach and fixed with one or 2 screws. After reducing all fragments to the articular block, the final fixation was performed percutaneously with C-Nail, locked with 6 screws. Main outcome measurements Patients were assessed for restoration of the Bohler angle, complications, and overall fracture reduction. To assess the functional outcome, we used the Mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score and Maryland Foot Score after 12 months. Results The Bohler angle improved from -0.5 degrees preoperatively to 28.6 degrees postoperatively. The articular step-off was reduced from 5.4 mm preoperatively to 0.6 mm postoperatively. The postoperative radiologic calcaneal score was 2.9, on average. Superficial wound edge necrosis was seen in 3 patients (4%) and superficial infection was observed in one (1.3%). After a 1-year follow-up, we recorded a mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score of 90.2 and a mean Maryland Foot Score of 91.2. Conclusions After obtaining an anatomic reduction of the articular surface of the posterior facet with lag screws, the C-Nail represented a viable alternative to plate stabilization in the treatment of DIACFs, combining primary stability with low soft tissue complications. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: The calcaneus exhibits variations in articular facets and calcaneal sulcus width. These variations influence occurrence of osteoarthritic conditions, whose prevalence is significant in our setting, and are essential during surgeries involving the foot. Despite this, local data on calcaneal facets remain scarce. Methods: Sixty calcanei were obtained from the National Museum of Kenya. The number, type and shapes of their facets were documented and calcaneal sulcus width measured. Images were taken and collected data were represented in tables and figures. Results: The calcanei had 1–3 articular facets. The common calcanei type noted was type 1B on the right calcaneus and 1B on the left. The least was type 4 on the right and 2C on the left. In terms of shape, types 1 and 4 calcanei had non-rounded facets while type 2 had rounded facets. The width of the sulcus calcanei was narrowest among type 1 calcanei in the right foot at 0.53 cm. On the left foot, type 2 calcanei had narrower (0.455 cm, range 0.35–0.60) calcaneal sulcus width. Conclusion: Our findings may aid in surgeries of the foot and in providing a link between local calcaneal variations and prevalence of osteoarthritic foot conditions. Keywords: Calcaneal-facets, Sinus tarsi, Arthritis

The goal of this study was to review eligible randomized controlled trials to determine the efficacy of the sinus tarsi approach (STA) versus the extended lateral approach (ELA) for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF). Using appropriate keywords, we identified relevant studies using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, VANFUN, and VIP. Key pertinent sources in the literature were also reviewed, and all articles published through June 2020 were considered for inclusion. For each study, we assessed odds ratios (ORs), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) to assess and synthesize the outcomes. We included 15 RCTs, with a total of 847 patients in the STA group and 959 in the ELA group. The results found that after STA and ELA, no significant difference in changes of Bohler’s angle (WMD: 0.746, 95% CI: − 0.316–1.809), Gissane angle (WMD: − 0.710, 95% CI: − 2.157–0.737), calcaneal heights (WMD: 0.378, 95% CI: − 1.973–2.728), calcaneal widths (SMD: − 0.431, 95% CI: − 1.604– 0.742), calcaneal lengths (WMD: 0.691, 95% CI: − 0.749–2.131). Besides, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the STA group and the ELA group (RR: 0.592, 95% CI: 0.336–1.045). There was no difference in clinical efficacy between STA and ELA in treating DIACF. Besides, there is still a need of large-sample, high-quality, long-term randomized controlled trials to confirm the conclusion. Level I—High-Quality Prospective Randomized Study.

While the extended lateral approach was the gold standard for treatment of calcaneal fractures for decades, the mini-open approach through the sinus tarsi gained popularity in recent years. Although widely used, there are only a few reports available in the literature reporting on mid- to long-term results. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to report on mid- to long-term radiographic and clinical outcomes of calcaneal fractures treated surgically using a mini-open sinus tarsi approach.In this retrospective review, radiographic and clinical outcome measures of 30 consecutive patients (34 fractures) were analyzed. Conventional radiographs were used to measure the Boehler's angle before and after surgical fixation. Computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed to distinguish between joint depression and tongue-type calcaneal fractures. Each calcaneal fracture was additionally categorized according to the Sanders classification. The clinical outcome was measured using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (very unsatisfied) to 4 (very satisfied), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Maryland Foot Score.The Boehler's angle improved from 12.6 degrees preoperatively to 26.3 degrees postoperatively (P 0.001). Loss of sagittal reduction (i.e., a decline of the Boehler's angle of 5 degrees) from postoperative to the last follow-up was evident in nine (26%) fractures. Out of 29 patients with an available satisfaction score, 20 (69%) were very satisfied, 8 (28%) were satisfied, and one (3%) was moderately satisfied. Satisfaction at the last follow-up declined with higher age at surgery. An overall low complication rate was evident, with painful hardware needing removal being the most common complication.Approaching calcaneus fractures through the sinus tarsi provides satisfactory mid- to long-term radiographic and clinical outcomes, independent of the severity of the fractures according to the Sanders classification.Level IV, Retrospective Case Series.

Sinus tarsi syndrome is the clinical syndrome of lateral heel pain with local tenderness at the sinus tarsi and is frequently associated with a history of inversion sprain to the ankle. The lateral heel pain can be due to the capsule-ligamentous structures lateral to the axis of the anterior and posterior subtalar joints. Anterior and posterior subtalar arthroscopies are needed to detect and treat the disorders of both joints. In this Technical Note, we describe the details of a 2-portal arthroscopic approach to both anterior and posterior subtalar joints. This allows complete examination of all the possible sources of lateral heel pain in sinus tarsi syndrome.

Background: Open reduction and internal fixation is the standard surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures. However, it is associated with a high rate of wound problems. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the clinical and radiologic outcomes, as well as the wound complication rates of sinus tarsi minimally-invasive approach in the treatment of intra-articular calcaneus fracture. Methods: In a retrospective study, 62 patients who were referred with an intra-articular calcaneus fracture and treated with a minimally-invasive sinus tarsi approach were included. The radiographic evaluations included the assessment of Bohler and Gissane angles before and after the surgery, as well as the height and length of the calcaneus. The clinical outcome was assessed with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) questionnaire. Results: The Mean±SD age of the patients was 41.8±12.7 years. The Mean±SD follow-up of the patients was 21.3±10 ‎months. After 6 months, in 43 patients (69.3%) both Bohler’s and Gissane’s angles were significantly improved after the surgery (P=0.003 and P

Calcaneus malunion is a common sequela to calcaneal fractures and is a cause of pain and discomfort. Multiple approaches have been described to address the subtalar joint and the lateral wall. Type 2 malunion is the most commonly encountered problem, and is usually addressed by the sinus tarsi approach. This has some limitations, as exposure for lateral wall excision beneath the peroneal tendons maybe a problem. We have slightly modified the sinus tarsi approach by a more horizontal skin incision, which may even be extended proximally by 1–2 cm; this allows access to the lateral wall on either side of the peroneal tendons. The approach is described in detail.

This cadaveric study assessed factors that could lead to nonunions in subtalar joint arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to assist surgeons in achieving sufficient joint preparation in hopes to achieve more frequent arthrodesis of the subtalar joint. We evaluated the influence of experience in regard to cartilage preparation of the joint. We also assessed which quadrants of the subtalar joint were more likely to have unprepared cartilage. The subtalar joints in 17 cadaveric limbs were prepared by 17 participants with differing levels of experience. After the cartilage was denuded, the percentage of unprepared cartilage in each subtalar joint was calculated. The medial quadrants were more likely to have unprepared surfaces. There was also a learning curve present with subtalar joint preparation, as seen by the significantly larger percentage of unprepared cartilage in cadavers prepared by first year residents.