Comparison between normal anatomic plate and absorbable screw with opening lateral bone flap in treatment of calcaneal fractures of Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy between normal anatomic plate + bone graft and absorbable screw + opening lateral bone flap + bone graft in treatment of calcaneal fractures of Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Methods From February, 2011 to February, 2014, 76 patients of Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ of calcaneal fractures were treated in our department. Forty patients received absorbable screw + opening lateral bone flap + bone graft were assigned into Group A, while 36 patients received normal anatomic plate + bone graft into Group B. The two groups were compared in terms of operation time, bleeding volume, postoperative drainage, postoperative complication, Bohler angle, Gissane angle, Ankle-Hindfoot Scale(AOFAS) and Maryland foot score(MFS). Results The patients were followed up for 24 to 36 months with an average of 28 months. The Group A had less operation time, bleeding volume, postoperative drainage and postoperative complication(P<0.05). There were significant differences in Bohler angle and Gissane angle one year and two year after the operation as compared with those before the operation(P<0.05), but not between the two groups(P>0.05). There were no significant difference in postoperative AOFAS and MFS(P>0.05). Conclusion It is safe and effective to treat calcaneal fractures of Sanders Ⅱ and Ⅲ with absorbable screw + opening lateral bone flap + bone graft. Compared with normal anatomic plate + bone graft, it has less operation time, bleeding volume, operation invasion, postoperative complication.