OBJECTIVETo investigate clinical effects of calcaneal fracture with closed reduction and minimally invasive plate fixation assisted with bidirectional distractor distraction.

METHODSFrom September 2015 to October 2016, 11 male patients(13 feet) with calcaneal fractures treated with bidirectional distractor distraction assisted with minimally invasive plate fixation were retrospectively studied. They were aged from 24 to 57 years old with an average of 36.4 years old;8 feet were type IIand 5 feet were type III according to Sanders classification. Postoperative incision, fracture healing, Böhler angle, Gissane angle were observed and Maryland scoring system was used to evaluate clinical effects.

RESULTSAll fractures healed well without incision inflammation and incision disunion. All patients were followed up from 12 to 15 months with an average of 13.5 months. Böhler angle were improved from (9.6±7.3)° before operation to (20.2±4.6) ° at 1 year after operation, and had statistical meaning; Gissane angle increased from (92.7 ±8.5)° before operation to (121.7 ±7.6) ° at 1 year after operation. Maryland score at 1 year after operation was 88.79±8.25, and 11 feet got excellent results and 2 feet moderate.

CONCLUSIONSBidirectional distractor distraction assisted with minimally invasive plate fixation could effectively fix calcaneal fractures, reduce postoperative complications, and get satisfied results of postoperative images and functional recovery. It is one of effective methods for treating Sanders II and III calcaneal fractures.