Effect of bone grafting in short and long term outcomes of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: A prospective comparative study

Abstract

Aim: This prospective comparative study was done to evaluate effect of autologous bone grafting in outcomes and complications of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Material and Methods: Seventy-two patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with plate. Osteosynthesis of 36 patients were supplemented with bone graft and other 36 patients did not receive bone graft. All patients were  followed for 2 years and clinico-radiological assessment was done using the Maryland foot score and  plain radiography as-well-as CT scan. Bohler’s angle, the crucial angle of Gissane, calcaneal height and width in the preoperative, immediate postoperative period and at the 2-year follow-up were compared.

Results: There was no significant difference found in terms of clinical results as assessed by Maryland foot score between both the groups (p>0.05). No significant difference was found between both the groups in terms of loss of Bohler’s angle, the average change in the crucial angle, calcaneal height and width (p>0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups regarding complications like infection rate, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, postoperative osteoarthritis and subtalar fusion (p>0.05).

Conclusion: There was no significant difference between both the groups regarding functional outcomes and complications .