Modified sinus tarsi approach with a variable-angle locking anterolateral plate for Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures.

<bold>Background: </bold>We compared the effectiveness of the extensile lateral approach (ELA) and modified sinus tarsi approach (MSTA) with a variable-angle locking anterolateral plate in treating Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures.<bold>Methods: </bold>We reviewed 45 DIACFs treated by a single surgeon from 2017 to 2020. Open reduction using ELA and MSTA was performed in 25 and 20 patients, respectively. Follow-up evaluations included radiological assessments and clinical evaluations.<bold>Results: </bold>Pre- and postoperative radiologic parameters for the calcaneus were significantly different. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were 81.24 and 85.00, the mean visual analogue scale scores were 2.28 and 1.65, and the wound-related complication rates were 64.0% and 15.0% in the ELA and MSTA groups, respectively. Bony union was achieved in all cases.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>For Sanders type II and III fractures, MSTA seems to be a safer and more satisfactory method, with fewer postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]