Effectiveness of MIS technique as a treatment modality for open intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A prospective evaluation with matched closed fractures treated by conventional technique

•Our study highlights the problems faced during the open fracture management, along with comparing the various methods described in the literature to manage them.•We have evaluated the functional and radiological outcomes of open calcaneum fractures operated by the MIS technique.•The results in our study indicate that MIS can be a viable option for the management of open fractures as it gives comparable functional outcomes to closed calcaneum fractures.

Twenty-five displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures in 21 patients, aged 15–55 years were included in this study. Sanders’ type I fractures, severe crushing or partial amputation, were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into group 1 (open fractures treated by MIS), and group 2 (closed fractures treated by ORIF). Group 1 had 16 and group 2 had 9 cases. Seven of 25 fractures (28%) developed wound related issues postoperatively. One patient (11.1%) in group 2 had wound margin necrosis, while 6 patients (37.5%) in group 1 developed pin tract and/or wound infection. At 1-year follow-up, the mean MFS for group 1 was 79 and mean MFS for group 2 was 84.4 (66.67% were good). The AOFAS score for group 1 was 77.37 and for group 2 was 86.1. The Bohlers’ angle was restored in 81.16% cases in group 1 and 88.8% in group 2, while Gissane angle was restored in 68.75% of group 1 cases and 77.79% of group 2 cases. This study shows that acceptable fracture reduction can be obtained and maintained by MIS technique and it can be used as the primary definitive treatment option in open calcaneal fractures.