OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION COMPARED WITH ORIF AND PRIMARY SUBTALAR ARTHRODESIS FOR TREATMENT OF SANDERS TYPE IV CALCANEAL FRACTURES: A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: The present study was conducted to open reduction and internal fixation compared with ORIF and primary subtalar arthrodesis for treatment of sanders type IV calcaneal fractures

Methods: Randomized comparative prospective trial conducted on Calcaneum fracture cases attending with orthopaedics department of S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur (Rajasthan, India)

Results: SF 36, MFA, AHS and VAS score showed almost same results in both groups at 3 months which showed statistically non significant results.

Conclusion: A randomized trial was unable to demonstrate any significant difference between ORIF compared with ORIF + PSTA for the treatment of isolated Sanders type IV fractures with respect to long-term outcome. ORIF + PSTA however, should be considered for patients with Sanders type IV fractures, and the health care system as they heal at a much more rapid rate, and will not require additional surgery. This must be considered as the choice of treatment may have profound economic effects on the patient. More research is needed to find the best solutions for these difficult fractures.

Keywords: ORIF, PSTA, Fracture.