The operative treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Indications, technique, and results in 257 cases.

Since 1972, 257 intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus have been treated with operative intervention. A lateral incision and a third tubular plate were used in all cases. The functional results were considered excellent or good in 85%, and there was an infection rate of 2.7%. Although 50% of patients showed a reduced mobility of the subtalar joint, pain and limited ambulation were rare. Only six patients required a late subtalar arthrodesis.