Surgical treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures by a minimally invasive technique using a locking nail: A preliminary study

Background The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated using a minimally invasive locking nail (Calcanail®). Methods Between January 2016 and April 2017, 15 patients (9 men and 6 women) with a calcaneal fracture were consecutively treated with Calcanail®. The Bohler angle was recorded on standard X-rays pre- and post-operatively. The articular reduction of the posterior facet was evaluated with the Goldzak index in a CT scan 3 months post-operatively. The mean age of the patients was 53 years (range, 24–78). Mean final follow-up was 18 months (range, 12–24). Results Six fractures were classified as Sanders II, 7 as Sanders III and 2 as Sanders IV. In 13 out of the 15 patients treated, the post-operative Bohler angle was of more than 20°. Goldzak index was deemed as excellent in 73.5% of the cases (11 patients), good in 20% of cases (3 patients), and poor in 6.5% (1 patient). Post-operative mean AOFAS score was 85 (range, 60–96). Conclusions The Calcanail® provides good restoration of the subtalar joint and the calcaneal angles with the advantages of a minimally invasive approach. It was effectively used in Sanders types II and III, even in the presence of poor cutaneous conditions.