The human foot is a complex structure, composed of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Among these bones, the calcaneus, or heel bone, is the largest and is often subjected to fractures due to its location and the weight it supports. Calcaneal fractures, particularly Sanders II and III types, are common injuries that can significantly impact a person’s mobility and quality of life. The treatment of these fractures is a topic of ongoing research and debate within the medical community. This article will delve into a study comparing two methods of treating these fractures: percutaneous cannulated screw fixation and traditional plate internal fixation.
Percutaneous cannulated screw fixation and traditional plate internal fixation are two surgical techniques used to treat calcaneal fractures. The former involves inserting screws into the fractured bone through small incisions, while the latter involves using a metal plate and screws to hold the fractured bone in place. Both methods aim to restore the normal anatomy of the calcaneus and improve the patient’s functional outcome.
The study in question retrospectively analyzed the records of 64 patients who had undergone one of these two treatments for Sanders II and III calcaneal fractures. Thirty-three of these cases were treated with percutaneous cannulated screws, while the remaining 31 were treated with traditional steel plates.
The researchers looked at several factors, including the preoperative preparation time and the duration of the surgery itself. The preoperative preparation time refers to the period between the decision to operate and the actual surgery. This time is crucial as it allows for the planning of the surgical procedure and the optimization of the patient’s health before surgery. The study found that the average preoperative preparation time was shorter for the screw group (3 ± 1.7 days) compared to the plate group (4.6 ± 2.1 days).
The duration of the surgery is another important factor to consider. Longer surgeries can increase the risk of complications, such as infections or blood clots, and can also impact the patient’s recovery time. In this study, the average surgery time was shorter for the screw group (118.9 ± 43.8 minutes) compared to the plate group (146.9 ± 47.6 minutes).
This comparative analysis provides valuable insights into the treatment of Sanders II and III calcaneal fractures. However, it’s important to note that the choice of treatment should be individualized, taking into account the specific characteristics of the fracture, the patient’s overall health, and their personal preferences. While this study suggests that percutaneous cannulated screw fixation may have some advantages over traditional plate internal fixation in terms of preoperative preparation time and surgery duration, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to compare other important outcomes, such as the rate of complications, the functional outcome, and the patient’s satisfaction with the treatment.
In conclusion, the treatment of calcaneal fractures is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. Percutaneous cannulated screw fixation and traditional plate internal fixation are two viable options, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. As research continues to evolve, it’s hoped that we can further refine these techniques to improve the treatment of calcaneal fractures and enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from these injuries.
To read the full journal article, head to https://www.jfas.org/article/S1067-2516(23)00336-8/fulltext?rss=yes