Comparison of internal fixation by sinus tarsi approach versus traditional lateral L-type approach for treatment of calcaneal fractures

LIN Yepeng; HE Zhiming; WANG Zhizhong; LUO Xiaodong; WANG Bin

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-666X.2016.03.004

Abstract：Objective To compare the difference of clinical effects of internal fixation via sinus tarsi approach versus traditional lateral L-type approach for treatment of calcaneal fractures. Methods A total of 116 patients with calcaneal fractures treated in People's Hospital of Sanshui District from January 2013 to June 2015, were randomly divided into observation and control groups using a random numerical table. Patients in control group underwent plate internal fixation through traditional lateral L-type approach, while patients in observation group were treated by plate internal fixation through sinus tarsi approach. Incision length, operation time, intraoperative estimate blood loss and fracture healing time were recorded in two groups, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Kofoed score, Maryland score, radiographic Gissane angle and Bohler angle at preoperation and postoperation, as well as postoperative complications were compared between two groups. Results Incision length, operation time, intraoperative estimate blood loss, fracture healing time and incidence of postoperative complications in observation group were better than those in control group, there were statistical differences between two groups (P <0.05). The above joint function scores and radiological parameters at 1 year after operation were all improved compared with preoperative ones (P <0.05), while there were no statistical differences between two groups at postoperation (P >0.05); But postoperative excellent and good rate of AOFAS score in observation group was higher than that in control group (P <0.05). Conclusions Clinical effect of either sinus tarsi approach or traditional lateral L-type approach is satisfactory; Plate internal fixation through sinus tarsi approach has the advantages of alleviating surgical injury, shortening fracture healing time, reducing postoperative complications and promoting early function rehabilitation.