Provisional Reduction and External Fixation of Acute Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneus Fractures: Surgical Technique and Clinical Results

The treatment of calcaneus fractures has been a topic of ongoing debate with controversies regarding the best treatment options and algorithms. Sparse literature exists examining the role of external fixation in initial reduction and the maintenance of bony alignment. The authors describe a technique of a medially based 3-pin provisional external fixation for the treatment of a displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures with the review of 26 patients with an average follow-up of 26 months. A fourth pin utilized in the case of tongue-type fractures is introduced as an important adjunct to this treatment paradigm. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level IV - therapeutic. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.