Correlation between Clinical Outcome and Radiologic Features After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Calcaneal Fractures.

Background: We aimed to find probable correlation between postoperative radiologic variables and clinical outcomes of surgically treated calcaneal fractures.

Methods: In a retrospective study, 70 unilateral displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures in adults with follow-up more than 1 year were asked to have a visit. Weightbearing radiographs of both ankles were taken and radiologic parameters, including the differences in values in Böhler and Gissane angles in comparison with the uninjured side, and calcaneocuboid and subtalar joint arthritis based on the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale, were evaluated. They were considered to find any correlation with clinical outcomes assessed by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scale, visual analogue scale, Foot Function Index, and Tegner Activity Scale.

Results: A total of 61 men (87.1%) and nine women (12.9%) with a mean age of 38.9 ± 12.7 years (range, 18-67 years) were included. Mean follow-up visit for the patients was 25.1 ± 12.7 months. Mean scores of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scale, visual analogue scale, Foot Function Index, and Tegner Activity Scale were 86.7 ± 12.9, 21.3 ± 22.2, 13.1 ± 15.4, and 5.2 ± 1.1, respectively. The mean Gissane angle and Böhler angle differences were -0.2 ± 8.6 and -3.7 ± 7.2, respectively. Regarding the calcaneocuboid arthritis, 50 (71.4%), 14 (20.0%), and six patients (8.6%) were categorized in grades 0, 1, and 2, respectively. Also, subtalar arthritis was seen in 15 (21.4%), 24 (34.3%), 20 (28.6%), and 11 patients (15.7%), categorized as grades 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. No statistical correlation was found between any of the radiologic variables and clinical scores.

Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between Böhler and Gissane angles and the clinical outcomes in surgically treated calcaneal fractures. Also, functional outcomes do not change considerably among different grades of arthritis in calcaneocuboid and subtalar joints, at least during short- to mid-term follow-up periods. Radiologic findings after open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneal fractures are not predictors of function of the patients.