Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Kirschner Wire Fixation of Adult Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures can be divided into three categories: non-operative, open or closed reduction and internal fixation, and primary arthrodesis. The extensile lateral approach has been popular because it allows most of the fracture fragments to be directly visualized and reduced. However, complications, including wound dehiscence as well as superficial and deep infection, are common. The use of less extensive or percutaneous approaches decreases the frequency and severity of these complications, but reducing the fracture without directly visualizing the fracture lines and providing enough fixation to prevent displacement without plates are challenging obstacles to wide adoption of limited surgical approaches. Percutaneous treatment by skeletal distraction and screw fixation of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus, with functional postoperative after treatment was used in order to reduce the secondary trauma and subsequent complication rates to the soft tissues as seen in the open reduction and fixation techniques.