CLINICAL RESEARCH
Sinus Tarsi Approach and Osteosynthesis with
Cannulated Screws in Calcaneal Fractures with Articular Depression
Pablo M. Yapur,
Horacio S. Herrera, Martín A. Rofrano Botta, Francisco J. Pereira, Pablo
Paitampoma Álvarez
Orthopedics and
Traumatology Service, Hospital Alemán, Autonomous
City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Open reduction
and internal fixation via an extended lateral approach is the most commonly
accepted surgical strategy for managing intra-articular calcaneal fractures
with articular depression. However, the high rate of soft tissue complications
associated with this technique has led to the development of less invasive
alternatives that aim to reduce complications and improve functional outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the complications and
functional outcomes of calcaneal fracture fixation using the sinus tarsi
approach and cannulated screws. Materials and
Methods: Between June 2016 and June 2022, 14 intra-articular
calcaneal fractures with articular depression were treated using the sinus
tarsi approach and cannulated screw fixation. Postoperative complications,
radiographic outcomes (Gissane angle, Böhler angle, calcaneal length and width), and CT findings
(Sanders classification) were assessed, along with functional outcomes using
the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and a
self-administered satisfaction questionnaire. Results: With a mean follow-up of 19.28 months, the average
AOFAS score was 84.14. One superficial infection was reported and successfully
treated with oral antibiotics. In two patients, hardware removal was required.
Immediate and late postoperative imaging showed no significant differences
compared to the contralateral healthy calcaneus. No postoperative articular
step-offs greater than 2 mm were observed on CT scans. Eight patients reported
being satisfied with the outcome, and six were very satisfied. Conclusion: The sinus tarsi approach combined
with cannulated screw fixation provides functional and radiographic outcomes
comparable to or better than those achieved with the extended lateral approach
and lateral plating, with fewer soft tissue complications.
Keywords: Calcaneus;
minimally invasive approach; sinus tarsi.
Level of Evidence: IV
Abordaje del seno del tarso y
osteosíntesis con tornillos canulados en fracturas de calcáneo con depresión
articular
RESUMEN
Introducción: La reducción abierta y fijación
interna mediante un abordaje lateral amplio representa la estrategia quirúrgica
más aceptada para el manejo de las fracturas de calcáneo con depresión
articular. Sin embargo, las altas tasas de complicaciones de partes blandas
llevaron a desarrollar técnicas menos invasivas que causaron menos
complicaciones y lograron mejores resultados funcionales. Objetivo: Evaluar las complicaciones y los
resultados funcionales de la reducción y osteosíntesis de calcáneo mediante el
abordaje del seno del tarso y tornillos canulados. Materiales y
Métodos: Entre
junio de 2016 y junio de 2022, se trataron 14 fracturas de calcáneo con
depresión articular por un abordaje del seno del tarso y tornillos canulados.
Se evaluaron las complicaciones posoperatorias, los resultados en las
radiografías y las tomografías, los resultados funcionales con la escala de la
AOFAS y un cuestionario autoadministrado sobre la conformidad. Resultados: Con un seguimiento medio de 19.28
meses, el puntaje promedio de la AOFAS fue de 84,14. Hubo una infección
superficial tratada con antibiótico por vía oral. En 2 pacientes, fue necesario
retirar el material de osteosíntesis. Las imágenes del posoperatorio inmediato
y alejado no mostraron diferencias significativas con el calcáneo contralateral
sano. No hubo escalones articulares >2 mm en los controles tomográficos
posoperatorios. Ocho estaban conformes con el resultado y 6, muy conformes. Conclusión: El abordaje del seno del tarso
asociado a tornillos canulados asegura iguales o mejores resultados funcionales
y en los estudios por imágenes, con menos complicaciones, que el abordaje
lateral amplio con una placa lateral.
Palabras clave: Calcáneo; abordaje mínimamente
invasivo; seno del tarso.
Nivel de Evidencia: IV
INTRODUCTION
Calcaneal fractures
represent 2% of all fractures and 60% of all tarsal fractures. In 75% of cases,
there is involvement of the posterolateral articular facet, which is a cause of
future morbidity.1,2
For decades, their surgical
management was considered controversial. A better understanding of the
mechanism of injury and fracture morphology has made it possible to classify
these injuries, plan treatments, and even predict outcomes.3-6 This led to the
current conception: with surgery, the best functional outcomes can be expected.
To achieve this, it is imperative to meet two objectives: restore the body
shape (height, width, and length) and the congruence of the posterolateral
articular facet of the calcaneus (PLAF).
Open reduction and internal
fixation using an extended lateral approach (ELA) has been the most widely
accepted surgical strategy in recent decades. This approach provides adequate
visualization of the PLAF, facilitates manipulation of the fracture fragments,
and allows for the placement of a plate on the lateral
aspect of the calcaneus. However, it has high rates of soft tissue
complications (11–25%), infections, and sural nerve injuries, which have
discouraged its use.7-9
A study evaluating 838
patients treated with an ELA and 810 patients treated with a sinus tarsi
approach (STA) concluded that complication rates are significantly lower with
less invasive techniques.10
Minimally invasive
techniques aim to reduce and fix the fracture entirely percutaneously or
through small approaches, such as the STA.11
In these techniques, K-wires, specific plates, screws, or a combination of
these implants are used as definitive internal fixation.12 The advantage of
reduced trauma to the skin and soft tissues results in lower complication
rates. Regardless of the fixation method, minimally invasive techniques have
achieved better functional outcomes and fewer complications than those using an
ELA.13
The objective of our
research was to evaluate the complications, as well as the functional and
imaging outcomes, of minimally invasive surgery using the STA and cannulated
screw osteosynthesis in calcaneal fractures with
articular depression (CFAD) (Sanders types II and III).
MATERIALS AND
METHODS
The sample consisted of 17
patients with calcaneal fractures, selected through critical, non-probabilistic
sampling. The sex distribution was 12 men and 5 women. The average age was 54
years (range 28–76). Patients who underwent open reduction of the PLAF using an
STA and internal fixation with cannulated screws between June 2016 and June
2022 were included. The mechanism of injury, comorbidities, associated
injuries, average time from injury to surgery, and average hospital stay were
assessed.
Inclusion criteria were:
Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures, closed, treated with open
reduction (STA) and fixation with cannulated screws, and a follow-up period of
more than 12 months.
Exclusion criteria were:
open fractures, age under 18 years, previous calcaneal fracture, bilateral
calcaneal fracture, previous or acute tarsal fractures, and inability to
establish contact for the final remote follow-up.
Imaging evaluations were
performed before surgery, in the immediate postoperative period, and in the
long-term postoperative period, along with analysis of the healthy
contralateral side. For this purpose, radiographs and computed tomography (CT)
scans were used.
The radiological evaluation
included analysis of lateral foot radiographs, measuring the calcaneal length, Böhler’s angle, and Gissane’s
angle. On axial radiographs of the calcaneus, width was evaluated. Prior to
surgery, CT scans were used to classify fractures according to Sanders.5 Additionally, calcaneocuboid joint
involvement was assessed based on Gallino’s criteria.14 Type I is defined as a fracture line
extending to the articular surface with minimal displacement; type II is
characterized by comminution of the articular cartilage involving less than 50%
of the joint; and in type III, the comminution affects more than 50% of the
joint and is associated with lateral subluxation.6
In the immediate
postoperative period, the same radiographic projections and measurements were
used as in the preoperative evaluation. A good radiographic reduction was
defined as an angular difference of no more than 5° compared to the healthy
contralateral side. All reductions were also evaluated by CT in the
postoperative period, analyzing the quality of PLAF
reduction according to Sanders’ criteria: anatomic reduction: off-step in PLAF
≤1 mm, near-anatomic reduction: off-step between 1 and 3 mm, approximate
reduction: off-step between 3 and 5 mm, reduction failure: off-step >5 mm.6
The evaluation in the
long-term postoperative period was performed using the same radiographic
projections as in the immediate postoperative period. Secondary displacement
was considered present when there was a change of more than 5° compared to
measurements taken immediately postoperatively.
Functional evaluation was
conducted using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)
hind-foot scale and a questionnaire assessing functional outcomes, based on a
4-item Likert-type scale: very satisfied, satisfied, not satisfied, or dissatisfied.
Postoperative complications
were evaluated. Secondary displacements (i.e., >5° difference in
radiographic measurements between the immediate and long-term postoperative
periods) were also analyzed. The need for removal of osteosynthesis material was evaluated as an additional
complication.
Surgical
Technique
After regional block and anesthetic sedation, the patient is placed in lateral
decubitus, with the leg of the limb to be operated on in a leg brace. A hemostatic cuff is placed on the thigh. The leg remains
parallel to the floor, as does the longitudinal axis of the foot. The image
intensifier is positioned to obtain calcaneal, Broden,
and axial profile projections by simply moving the C-arm.
A transfixing Schanz nail is placed in the greater calcaneal tuberosity
from lateral to medial, marking the entry point on the profile view, proximal
to the plantar cortex. The Schanz nail is oriented
perpendicular to the greater tuberosity, and its parallelism to the plantar
cortex is assessed in the axial projection (Figure
1A).
The first assistant
proceeds to perform traction using the transfixing Schanz
nail to correct the deformity. Axial and varus/valgus
traction is applied to restore calcaneal anatomy by ligamentotaxis.
A first guide pin (for a 6.5/7 mm positioning screw) is then placed parallel to
the medial cortex to attach the greater tuberosity to the sustentacular
fragment—an anatomical component that is generally stable and undisplaced (Figure 1B).
STA is then performed, and
the PLAF is reduced under direct visualization (Figure
2).
The PLAF is fixed with one
or two pins, placed from lateral and posterior to anterior and medial, directed
toward the sustentaculum tali.
These are subsequently replaced with 3.5/4 mm cannulated compression screws (Figure 1C). Finally, the second guide pin (line C)
is placed and replaced by a 6.5/7 mm full-thread cannulated screw. This screw
runs parallel to the lateral cortex and supports the greater tuberosity with
the lesser tuberosity (Figures 1D and 3).
The number and orientation
of the 6.5/7 mm screws will depend on the fracture lines. The objective of
these screws is to support the greater tuberosity with the calcaneal body and
the lesser tuberosity, also creating a “scaf-folding”
that provides stability to the posterolateral articular facet (Figures 4-6).
Statistical
Analysis
Quantitative variables are
described as means, standard deviations, medians, ranges, and percentile
ranges, according to their distribution, while qualitative variables are
expressed as percentages. Continuous data were compared using Student’s t-test
for independent samples. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically
significant. The study of linear relationships for categorical variables was
performed using Spearman’s correlation test; a p-value <0.01 was considered
statistically significant. All data were entered into an MS Excel spreadsheet,
and statistical calculations were performed using IBM SPSS 23.0.
Fourteen patients (14
fractures) met the inclusion criteria. According to the Sanders classification,
10 (71.43%) were type II and 4 (28.57%) were type III. The calcaneocuboid joint
was affected in 8 patients (57.14%). According to Gallino’s
criteria, 4 were type I (28.57%), 3 were type II (21.43%), and one (7.14%) was
type III. The fracture was caused by a fall from height in 13 cases (92.86%)
and by a motorcycle accident in one case (7.14%). Regarding comorbidities, two
patients were diabetic. As for associated injuries, one patient (7.14%) had a fracture
of the first lumbar vertebra.
The mean time from injury
to surgery was 7 ± 3.16 days. The mean hospital stay was 1.21 ± 0.43 days, and
the mean follow-up was 19.28 months (range, 14–26).
Regarding complications, we
documented a superficial infection in a diabetic patient, which resolved with
oral antibiotic treatment. Removal of osteosynthesis
material was necessary in two patients. One had shoe intolerance related to a 7
mm screw. Another had tenosynovitis due to friction between the short peroneal
tendon and a 4 mm screw, located near the PLAF. Five patients experienced
occasional discomfort from the implants, which did not justify their removal.
The mean Böhler angle showed significant differences between the
contralateral healthy calcaneus (30.76° ± 5.71°) and the preoperative
measurement (14.05° ± 6.60°). However, the differences between the healthy side
(30.76° ± 5.71°) and the postoperative values, both immediate (29.50° ± 5.96°)
and remote (29.86° ± 6.51°), were minimal. The 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles
were also considered. Student’s t-tests for independent samples confirmed that
there was no statistically significant difference between measurements on the
healthy contralateral calcaneus and the immediate postoperative values (95%
confidence interval [CI], p = 0.571, d = 0.216) or the remote values (95% CI, p
= 0.700, d = 0.147), whereas there were significant differences compared to the
preoperative values (95% CI, p < 0.001, d = 2.708).
The mean Gissane angle showed differences between the contralateral
healthy calcaneus (119.03° ± 6.99°) and the preoperative value (110.31° ±
10.01°). However, the differences between the healthy side (119.03° ± 6.99°)
and the immediate (118.85° ± 7.54°) and remote (119.00° ± 7.43°) postoperative
values were not statistically significant. Student’s t-tests for independent
samples confirmed that there was no statistically significant difference
between the healthy contralateral calcaneus and the immediate (95% CI, p =
0.948, d = 0.0248) or remote (95% CI, p = 0.992, d = 0.004) postoperative
values, while there was a significant difference compared to the preoperative
values (95% CI, p = 0.013, d = 1.010).
The mean calcaneal length
showed minimal differences between the contralateral healthy calcaneus (77.61 ±
8.25), the preoperative value (76.01 ± 8.47), and the immediate (78.26 ± 8.01)
and remote (76.99 ± 7.56) postoperative values. Student’s t-tests for
independent samples confirmed that there were no statistically significant
differences between the healthy contralateral calcaneus and the preoperative
value (95% CI, p = 0.617, d = 0.191), the immediate (95% CI, p = 0.835, d =
–0.080), or the remote (95% CI, p = 0.836, d = 0.078) postoperative values.
The mean calcaneal width
showed differences between the contralateral healthy calcaneus (36.94 ± 4.09)
and the preoperative value (44.13 ± 9.36). However, the differences between the
healthy side (36.94 ± 4.09°) and the immediate (39.17 ± 4.77) and remote (38.99
± 5.16) postoperative values were minimal.
Postoperative CT scans
revealed 9 anatomic reductions and 5 near-anatomic reductions.
The mean AOFAS score was
84.14 ± 11, and the median was 86.00 (Table).
Regarding the
self-administered survey on functional satisfaction perceived by the patients,
the results were: very satisfied (42.90%) and satisfied (57.10%).
DISCUSSION
The surgical management of
displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) involves achieving two
main objectives: restoring the shape of the calcaneus (height, length, and
width) and reestablishing the congruence of the
posterior facet of the subtalar joint (PLAF). Restoring normal anatomy is
associated with better functional outcomes and reduces the need for
reinterventions.15 In this
context, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws via
an extensile lateral approach (ELA) has been the
standard treatment for these fractures over the past decades.16 However, the high rate of
complications—including skin dehiscence and necrosis, superficial and deep
infections, hematoma formation, and injury to the sural or superficial peroneal
nerves—has prompted a reassessment of the safety of this technique and led to
the development of less invasive approaches with fewer complications.17
The ELA provides excellent
visualization of the fracture and allows the surgeon to comfortably reduce and
fix the fragments.1 Atraumatic
soft tissue handling and the creation of a full-thickness flap are imperative
to minimize complications. Folk et al.8 reported wound complications in 48 (25%)
of 190 patients treated via ELA, with 40 (21%) requiring reoperation. Diabetes
and smoking were identified as independent risk factors. In a review of 218
fractures treated using the ELA, Harvey et al.9 reported an overall wound complication
rate of 11%, with 6 patients (2.8%) experiencing sural nerve involvement.
The sinus tarsi approach
(STA), which extends 3–5 cm from the lateral malleolus toward the base of the
fourth metatarsal, allows wide exposure of the PLAF with minimal dissection. It
avoids dislocation of the peroneal tendons and can be extended distally to
expose the calcaneocuboid joint. Although the STA significantly reduces
complication rates, superficial infections have been reported in up to 14% of
cases in some studies, and thus should be considered. Weber et
al.18 compared 24 DIACFs treated
with STA and cannulated screws to 26 cases treated via ELA and lateral plating.
In the ELA group, complications included delayed wound healing (1 case, 3.85%),
hematoma (1 case, 3.85%), sural nerve injury (2 cases, 7.69%), and complex
regional pain syndrome (4 cases, 15.4%). The STA group reported no
complications. Similarly, Kline et al.19 observed a significant reduction in wound
complications and reoperations in patients treated via STA and recommended its
use in cases with high risk of wound problems. Nosewicz
et al.17
conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine studies, comprising 331
fractures treated with STA and 390 with ELA. Minor wound healing complications
occurred in 11 cases (4.9%) with STA and in 82 cases (24.9%) with ELA; 71% of
these were classified as minor and 29% as major. In our series, only one
patient (7.14%) developed a superficial wound infection, which resolved with
oral antibiotic therapy. This patient had diabetes. No deep infections,
necrosis, wound dehiscence, or sural nerve involvement were recorded.
The fixation capability of
cannulated screws may be questioned; however, few studies have clearly
established the ideal implant for DIACF. In a cadaveric study, Nelson et al.20
compared an anatomic lateral plate to cannulated screws in 20 specimens with
simulated Sanders IIB fractures and concluded that both methods provided
adequate fixation. Similarly, Ni et al.12 found no clear advantage of plates over
cannulated screws. Wang et al.,21
in a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials,
compared both fixation methods regarding function, reduction quality, and
complications. Radiological outcomes favored
cannulated screws; functional outcomes were comparable, but cannulated screws
were associated with fewer soft tissue complications. Guo
et al.22 also compared cannulated
screws and anatomic plates via STA and found no significant differences in
reduction quality or function, but noted significantly lower costs with screw
fixation.7 If cannulated screws
are chosen, the literature does not clearly define the optimal construct. Our
aim was to simplify the body fracture by joining the greater tuberosity to the
anterior tuberosity with 6.5 or 7 mm cannulated screws, and to provide a
supporting scaffold to the posterolateral facet, previously fixed to the sustentaculum tali with one or
two 4.5 mm cannulated compression screws. No secondary displacements were
observed in our series, which supports the safety of this technique.
Furthermore, we consider cannulated screws easier to insert and less aggressive
to soft tissues, potentially reducing complications.
Although the ELA offers
better fracture exposure and should theoretically yield superior reductions,
STA with cannulated screws has been shown to be more reliable in restoring Gissane and Böhler angles. Pitts et al.23
compared 51 DIACFs treated with STA and cannulated screws to 23 treated with
ELA and found no significant differences. Wang et al.21 argue that cannulated screws ensure
better reductions In our series, postoperative Gissane
and Böhler angles were not significantly different
from the contralateral healthy calcaneus, suggesting that limited exposure does
not compromise reduction quality. Sanders et al. recommend CT imaging to
evaluate postoperative PLAF reduction and classify outcomes based on the
residual step height: reductions are considered anatomic when the step is ≤1 mm
and near-anatomic when it measures between 1 and 3 mm.6
In our series, STA enabled us to achieve 9 anatomic and 5 near-anatomic
reductions; no steps >2 mm were recorded. We believe that the visualization
of the PLAF provided by the STA is sufficient for adequate reduction.
Regarding functional
outcomes, STA combined with cannulated screws has not demonstrated superiority
over other techniques. Weber et al.18 compared 24 STA and cannulated screws
with 26 ELA and lateral plate. The AO-FAS score was 82.6 for ELA and 87.2 for
STA (p = 0.17). Peng et al.10 retrospectively analyzed
45 DIACFs (21 cannulated screws vs. 24 plates). The AOFAS score was 80.3 for
cannulated screws and 83.6 for plates (p = 0.09). In another retrospective
study, Weng et al.24 compared 78 cannulated screws and 72
plates, with a follow-up of 8.7 years, and found no statistically significant
differences between the methods In our series, the mean AOFAS score was 84.14
(range, 67–94). These favorable results are
comparable to those reported by most authors. Eight patients in our study were
satisfied with the outcome, and six were very satisfied.
Intolerance to osteosynthesis material is a common late complication in
operated calcaneal fractures. According to the literature, between 10% and 88%
of plates placed via an extended lateral approach (ELA) require removal.6 However, cannulated screws can also cause
symptoms, warranting their removal. Driessen et al.25
reported removal of 60% of cannulated screws implanted in the greater
tuberosity due to local skin irritation. In our series, hardware removal was
the most frequent secondary procedure. In one patient, 7.5 mm screws had to be
removed due to heel skin irritation. Another patient developed peroneal tendon
tenosynovitis caused by friction against the prominent flat head of a 4.5 mm
PLAF screw. In both cases, symptoms resolved immediately after implant removal.
We believe cannulated
flat-head screws are the best option, as they typically do not require removal
if implanted correctly. However, if the screws are excessively long and cause
friction, they may be less well tolerated than round-head screws. If removal is
necessary, it can usually be performed using a minimally invasive and
outpatient approach, avoiding the wide exposures required for plate removal and
thus reducing the risk of complications.
Rodemund et al.26 combined a sinus tarsi approach (STA)
with cannulated screws and recommended performing surgery within the first 3
days post-injury, even in the presence of soft tissue edema,
without increasing the risk of wound-healing complications. Shams et al.27
published a prospective case series of fracture reduction and fixation using an
STA and cannulated screws. According to these authors, a 91% satisfaction rate
and a Maryland score of 85 may be attributable to early surgery (mean, 3.2
days).
Our therapeutic approach favors early surgery; the shorter the interval between
injury and surgery, the easier the mobilization and reduction of fracture
fragments. In our series, the mean time from injury to surgery was 7.64 days
(range, 1–10). We concur on the importance of early surgical intervention,
although we acknowledge that such short intervals may be difficult to achieve
in our setting.
The limitations of our
study include the small sample size and a mean follow-up of 19.28 months, which
prevents the evaluation of medium- and long-term complications. As strengths,
we highlight the detailed description of the surgical technique, appropriate
imaging assessment (radiographs and CT), and statistical analysis of the
outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
The STA provides adequate exposure
of the posterior lateral articular facet (PLAF) with minimal dissection and
soft tissue trauma. Internal fixation with cannulated screws is safe, and
secondary displacements are rare. With an STA and cannulated screws, imaging
and functional outcomes comparable or superior to those achieved with an ELA
and lateral plate can be expected, with fewer associated complications.
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H. S. Herrera ORCID
ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0036-8468
F. J. Pereira ORCID
ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2850-5428
M. A. Rofrano Botta
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1947-8218
P. Paitampoma Álvarez
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8068-1721
Received on September 11th, 2024. Accepted after
evaluation on March 5th, 2025 • Dr. Pablo M. Yapur • yapur36@hotmail.com • https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6926-9732
How to cite this article: Yapur PM, Herrera HS,
Rofrano Botta MA, Pereira FJ, Paitampoma
Álvarez P. Sinus Tarsi Approach and Osteosynthesis with Cannulated Screws in Calcaneal
Fractures with Articular Depression. Rev Asoc Argent Ortop Traumatol 2025;90(2):166-176. https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2025.90.2.2025
Article Info
Identification: https://doi.org/10.15417/issn.1852-7434.2025.90.2.2025
Published: April, 2025
Conflict of interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Copyright: © 2025,
Revista de la Asociación Argentina de Ortopedia y Traumatología.
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4.0 International Creative Commons License (CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0)