Abstract Background: Management of intra-articular calcaneal fractures has always been a matter of debate among orthopaedic surgeons. We prospectively analyzed radiological and functional results of depressed intra-articular calcaneal fractures fixed by locking calcaneal plates. Materials and Methods: We operated 28 intra-articular joint depression type calcaneal fractures (as per Essex-Lopresti classification system) using the standard extended lateral approach and fixed them with locking plate during the period, October 2011 to September 20014. Patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for at least 1 year. Radiological assessment was done by Bohler’s angle and Gissane’s angle along with measurement of calcaneal height and width. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. Results: Wound healing complications were 7/28. Four patients had flap necrosis, two had superficial and one had deep infection. Preoperative size of Böhler’s angle corrected to normal range in all cases. The overall results according to the AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot Scale were good or excellent in 84%. None of the patients had compartment syndrome, heel pad problems, peroneal tendinitis, reflex sympathetic dystropy or implant failure. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular calcaneal fractures has become a standard surgical method. Fewer complications and better results related to treatment with locking compression plates have been observed for all Sanders types of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
Keywords: Calcaneal Locking Plate; Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fracture; Lateral Extensile Approach