RESUMO
PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of operative treatment with F or H plates and screws using extensile lateral approach in intraarticular calcaneal fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2003 to July 2006, twenty intraarticular calcaneal fractures which were operated with open reduction and internal fixation with F or H plates and screws were evaluated retrospectively. According to the Essex-Lopresti classification, 3 cases were tongue type and 16 were joint depression type. With the Sanders classification, 2 cases were II A type, 7 were II B, 5 were III AB, 2 were III AC and 3 were IV. We have analysed the Bohler angle, Gissane angle, and calcaneal width in radiologic evaluation, and evaluated clinical result according to the Creighton-Nebraska Health Foundation Score. RESULTS: Radiologic changes showed as follows: Bohler angle improved from 5.8 degrees to 25.9 degrees, Gissane angle from 119.0 degrees to 113.3 degrees, and calcaneal width from 50.4 mm to 37.8 mm. In the clinical results, excellent cases were noted in 8 cases, good in 8 cases, fair in 2 cases, poor in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment with F or H plates and screws using extensile lateral approach in intraarticular calcaneal fractures was thought to be a useful operative method allowing anatomical reduction.