Sanders type II calcaneum fractures–surgical or conservative treatment? A prospective randomized trial

Calcaneum the largest tarsal bone accounts for 60% of all tarsal bone injuries and 2% of all fractures. The management of the calcaneal fractures is still a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The aim of this study was to establish the best treatment, non-surgical or surgical for Sanders type II fractures.It is a prospective study in which a total of 30 patients in age group of 18-60 years were randomized (by envelope) into non-operative (group A) 15 patients and operative (group B) 15 patients. All type II fractures confirmed on CT were included in the study. Patients with any other associated injuries or with any co-morbidity were excluded from this study. The results were evaluated using Bohler's angle, Kerr Atkins, AOFAS, and visual analog scale.In our series, mode of injury was fall from height in 27 (90%) and road traffic accident (RTA) in 3 (10%). There were 21 males and 9 females. The mean Kerr Atkins score in operative group was 66.12 and in conservative group was 60.22. The mean AOFAS in operative group was 72.13 and in conservative group was 71.16. The visual analog scale in operative group was 1.83 and in conservative group was 2.12. The mean follow-up was 28.1 months. Bohler's angle is a good predictor of morbidity and the improvement after surgery was not statistically significant.It was concluded that there is no significant difference in outcome of treatment, surgical or conservative, and results were equivalent in both groups.