COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE TREATMENT OF INTRAARTICULAR CALCANEAL FRACTURES BY CANNULATED SCREWS VERSUS MULTIPLE KIRSCHNER WIRES VIA MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Intraarticular calcaneal fractures are among the most complex fractures of the foot, often resulting from high-energy axial loading such as falls from height. These injuries involve disruption of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint and are associated with significant long-term morbidity if not properly managed. Due to the intricate anatomy of the calcaneus and its limited soft tissue envelope, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) carries a risk of wound complications, infection, and soft tissue necrosis.Minimally invasive surgical techniques have gained popularity as they aim to reduce soft tissue damage while achieving satisfactory anatomical reduction and joint alignment. Two commonly used fixation methods through a minimally invasive approach are cannulated screws and multiple Kirschner wires (K-wires). Cannulated screws provide rigid internal fixation and compression across the fracture site, while multiple K-wires offer a simpler and less invasive method with less hardware but may require longer immobilization and carry a risk of pin tract infection.AIM OF THE WORKThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cannulated screws in treating intraarticular calcaneal fractures compared to numerous Kirschner wires in a minimally invasive procedure known as the sinus tarsi approach.