OBJECTIVETo investigate clinical effects of improved anatomical locking plate internal fixation through tarsal sinus incision in treating Sanders III and IV calcaneal fractures.

METHODSFrom February 2015 to October 2016, 35 patients with Sanders III and IV calcaneal fractures treated by improved anatomical locking plate internal fixation through tarsal sinus incision were collected, including 22 males and 13 females aged from 22 to 68 years old with an average of (42.3±12.7) years old. According to Sanders classification, 23 patients were type III and 12 patients were type IV. Postoperative complications were observed, Bö hler angle and Gissane angle before and after operation were compared, and Maryland foot function scoring standard was evaluated at 12 months after operation.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 12 to 20 months with an average of (14.5±2.0) months, the length of incision ranged from 4.0 to 5.5 cm with an average of (4.7±0.4) cm. Superficial infection occurred in 1 patient, delayed union in 2 patients, gastrocnemius nerve injury in 1 patient. No complications such as steel plate exposure and fracture reduction loss occurred. Wound healing time ranged from 14 to 28 days with an average of(15.4±4.7) days, the fracture healing time ranged from 8 to 14 weeks with an average of (9.8±1.9) weeks. Bö hler angle increased from preoperative (9.81±14.28)° to 3 days after operation (26.35±11.04)°, and (25.96±10.79)° at 12 months after operation(<0.05). Gissane angle ranged from preoperative (122.54±16.79)° to 3 days after operation (120.85±11.88)°, and (120.62±11.44)° at 12 months after operation and had statistical meaning. Maryland score increased from 12.66±4.10 before operation to 92.20 ±7.82 at 12 months after operation, and 32 patients got excellent results, 2 good and 1 moderate.

CONCLUSIONSImproved anatomical locking plate internal fixation through tarsal sinus incision in treating Sanders III and IV calcaneal fractures, which has advantages of less incision, less soft tissue injury, better fracture reduction and fixation, could receive good reduction and fixation. It is an effective method for Sanders III and IV fracture of calcaneus fracture.