Outcome evaluation of minimally invasive surgery versus extensile lateral approach in management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A randomised control trial

BackgroundMinimally invasive surgery has a significant and evolving role in the treatment of DIACFs, but there is limited literature on this topic.ObjectivesTo compare the clinico-radiological outcomes of DIACFs fixed with MIS technique with ORIF.MethodsThis randomised control trial (RCT) included 21 closed Sanders type 2 and 3 DIACFs which were selected from 70 who presented. Extensile lateral approach was used in the ORIF group; while MIS techniques included either percutaneous reduction or small incisions with indirect fragment manipulation.Main Outcome MeasurementAOFAS hindfoot score, pre-operative and postoperative radiology.ResultsThere were 9 fractures in the Extensile group and 12 in the MIS group, with both groups having comparable demography, fracture classification, surgery delay & initial radiology. Bohler′s angle improved after surgery by an average of 18.44 with ORIF and 14.67 with MIS (p = 0.28). Mean AOFAS in the MIS group was 82.58 (66.67% good and 33.33% fair) and was 89.56 (44.44% excellent, 55.56% good, 0 fair/poor) with ORIF (p = 0.034). Two patients who underwent ORIF had a major complication (one deep infection and Sural nerve injury each) while none in the MIS group.ConclusionsMIS methods minimized soft tissue complications and achieved comparable radiological reductions but clinical outcomes were poorer, with percutaneous methods having the worst outcomes.