Minimally Invasive Plate Fixation of Calcaneus Fractures

Treatment of calcaneus fractures can be challenging. Concerns with the surgical management of calcaneus fractures arise not only from the difficulty in managing the fracture but also the soft tissue complications that occur with the use of the standard extensile approach. Our technique using a minimally invasive sinus tarsi (subtalar) approach with plate and screw fixation minimizes the risk of wound complications and nerve injury, and provides a strong, stable fixation. Populations previously contraindicated for surgical fixation of a calcaneus fracture because of wound-healing concerns of the extensile approach may be candidates for the subtalar approach. Surgical preparation, reduction maneuvers, and fixation techniques can take time to master; however, with experience, all types of calcaneus fractures can be treated with this technique.