ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy of locking plate through tarsal sinus approach and lateral extended "L" approach in the treatment of calcaneal fractures.

MethodsThe clinical data of 62 patients with calcaneal fractures(Sanders Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ) were retrospectively analyzed.Thirty-two cases treated with locking plate through tarsal sinus approach and 30 cases treated with lateral extended "L" approach were divided into the observation group and control group, respectively.The operation time, incision length, postoperative complications, incision and fracture healing time, and AOFAS score, Bohler angle, Gissane angle and calcaneal width before and after operation were compared between two groups.

ResultsThe differences of the operation time, fracture healing time and postoperative complications between two groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The length length and healing time of incision in observation group were less than those in control group(P < 0.05);The differences of the Bohler angle, Gissane angle and calcaneal width between two groups before and after operation were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The AOFAS score in observation group after 3 months of operation was better than those in control group(P < 0.05), and the differences of the AOFAS scores in two groups between after 6 and 12 months of operation were not statistically significant(P>0.05).After operation, the Bohler angle and Gissane angle in two groups were greater than those before operation, and the calcaneal width in two groups was less than that before operation(P < 0.05).

ConclusionsThe locking plate through tarsal sinus approach in the treatment of calcaneal fractures has the advantages of less trauma and complications, and it is an ideal form of therapy.