Abstract: Background: Calcaneum fracture contributes to significant morbidity to the patients. Therefore debate continues regarding choice of its management, between open reduction internal fixation and closed treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of open reduction and rigid internal fixation of displaced calcaneal fractures using locking plate with that of non-operative treatment.
Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with thirty-two displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures were selected during July 2016 to June 2017 with taking inclusive and exclusive criteria into account and randomly allocated to surgical and non surgical groups. First group of patients was treated with open reduction and internal fixation using reconstruction plate and screws through lateral extensile approach. Patients in second group were treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization using Omoto technique. The observations in both the groups were analyzed and compared.
Results: The significant difference between the outcomes of surgical treatment and nonsurgical method were noted. The fracture got united between 12 -16 weeks and no case of non-union has reported. Few patients had reported with wound related complications and were managed with antibiotics and regular antiseptic dressings. The functional assessment of patients during follow ups has suggested that 87.5% patients of operated group has good to excellent outcome while 87.5% patients of conservatively managed patients has good to fair outcome.
Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of close displaced calcaneal fractures in absence of severe osteoporosis, comminution, and co-existing morbidity may be the preferred method of treatment.
