Morphological and morphometric analysis of tarsal bones according to sex.

PURPOSE: Our aim in the study is to measure the area and volume of the tarsal bones and examine the typing of the talus and calcaneus joint surfaces according to sex. METHODS: In our study, the area and volume measurements of 630 tarsal bones and the morphology of the talus/calcaneus were analyzed by transferring thin-section Computed Tomography (CT) images to the 3D Slicer program. RESULTS: The volume and area sizes of the foot bones are calcaneus, talus, cuboid, navicular, medial cuneiform, lateral cuneiform, and intermediate cuneiform, respectively. All area and volume values of males were statistically higher than females (p < 0.05). The right side calcaneus area, intermediate cuneiform area, and lateral cuneiform area values were statistically higher than the left side (p < 0.045, p < 0.044, p < 0.030, respectively). There was no statistical relationship between age and area/volume values (p > 0.05). Three different types were seen in the calcaneus and seven in the talus. The most common type in the calcaneus was B1 (40%), and the least common type was A (27.8%). Regardless of the subgroups, the most common type in the talus was type B (37.8%), while the least common type was E2 (1.1%). CONCLUSION: Although morphometric measurements of tarsal bones differed according to sex, they did not differ according to age. The frequency of occurrence of the types of articular surfaces of the talus and calcaneus varies according to populations. We think that the morphometry and morphology of tarsal bones will contribute to invasive procedures regarding tarsal bones and surrounding structures, and that three-dimensional bone modeling can be used to create educational materials.

Radiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the ankle and tarsal joints-analysis of 66 joints.

PURPOSE: Osteoarthritis of the ankle and tarsal joints is less common than osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, but the associated disability is at least as severe as that of the other major joints of the lower limb. The results for total arthroplasty are still not satisfactory. For this reason, arthrodesis is still the gold standard of non-joint-conserving surgery. For the reason of functionality, joint-conserving therapies play a major role in treatment of ankle and tarsal osteoarthritis. Low-dose radiotherapy has a long history of treatment of osteoarthritis. The aim of this survey was to examine the results of low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis of the ankle and tarsal joints. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis was performed on patients of three German radiotherapy institutions and included 66 irradiated joints. Pain was documented with the numeric rating scale (NRS). Evaluation of the NRS was done before and directly after each radiation therapy course as well as for the follow-up of 24 months. The median age of the patients was 68 years, with 24.5% male and 75.5% female patients. The upper ankle was treated in 37.9%, the lower ankle in 27.3% and the tarsal joints in 34.8%. RESULTS: We could find a significant response to radiotherapy. For the whole sample, the median pain was 7 on the NRS before radiotherapy, 5 after 6 and 12 weeks, and 4 after 12 months. The percentage of patients with 0 or 1 on the NRS was 19.6% 12 months after radiotherapy. An improvement of joint mobility could be detected in 56.7% of the cases. All investigated subgroups had a significant reduction in pain. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy of ankle and tarsal osteoarthritis is an effective treatment without showing side effects. All analysed subgroups show a good response to radiotherapy for at least 24 months.

Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes of fixed-angle versus variable-angle locking compression plate for the treatment of Lisfranc injuries.

BACKGROUND: Fixed-angle locking compression plate (LCP) and variable-angle LCP are utilized for internal fixation of Lisfranc injuries. However, studies regarding the difference of clinical outcomes of these two plates are limited. The purpose of present study was to compare postoperative outcomes between these two plate types in Lisfranc injuries. METHODS: A total of 45 consecutive patients (22 patients with fixed-angle LCP and 23 patients with variable-angle LCP) who underwent surgical treatment for Lisfranc injury were reviewed for this retrospective study. The Foot Function Index (FFI), numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, development of complications, operative time, and patient satisfaction for current activity were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in FFI and NRS for pain at three months and 12 months following surgery. Postoperative complication rate was similar between two groups. Patients with variable-angle LCP had an 18 min shorter mean length of operation (p = 0.040). Patient satisfaction for current activity was not differ between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of variable-angle LCP for treatment of Lisfranc injuries did not show superiority in functional outcomes, pain, complication rates, or patient satisfaction to fixed-angle LCP, but operative time was shorter with variable-angle LCP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Radiographic changes of the mid-tarsal joint after calcaneal lengthening for planovalgus foot deformity.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluate the radiographic changes in the mid-tarsal joint, including the calcaneocuboid and talonavicular (TN) joints after calcaneal lengthening for planovalgus deformity in children. METHODS: This study included 38 patients (68 feet) who underwent calcaneal lengthening for planovalgus deformity. Radiographic osteoarthritic changes at the CC or TN joint were defined as modified Kellgren-Lawrence grade of ≥1. RESULTS: Among the 68 feet, 31 feet (45.6%) showed radiographic osteoarthritic changes at the CC joint and 20 (29.4%) showed changes at the TN joint. Risk of radiographic osteoarthritic changes at the CC joint was associated with increased age at surgery (OR = 1.2, p = 0.038). Risk of radiographic osteoarthritic changes at the TN joint was associated with increased age at surgery (OR = 2.2; p = 0.002), preoperative AP talus-1st metatarsal angle (OR = 1.1; p = 0.044), and degree of CC subluxation (OR = 2.1; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should consider the risk factors in the surgical correction of planovalgus deformity to prevent mid-tarsal arthritis.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging study of a normal tarsal joint in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris).

BACKGROUND: In this research, using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we provide a thorough description of the standard appearance of a right tarsal joint in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris). CT scans were performed using a bone and soft tissue window setting, and three-dimensional surface reconstructed CT images were obtained. The MRI protocol was based on the use of Spin-echo (SE) T1-weighted and Gradient-echo (GE) STIR T2-weighted pulse sequences. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were taken in the transverse, sagittal and dorsal planes. We also performed anatomical dissections to facilitate the interpretation of the different structures of the tarsus joint and allow comparisons with CT and MRI images. RESULTS: The CT images allowed us to observe differences between the bones and soft tissues of the tarsal joint. When applying the bone window setting, the obtained footage showed the anatomy between the medulla and cortex. Additionally, the trabecular bone was delineated. By contrast, the soft tissue window allowed the main soft tissue structures of the tarsal joint, including ligaments, muscles and tendons, to be differentiated. Footage of the main anatomical structures of the standard tiger tarsus was obtained through MRI. The SE T1-weighted images showed the best evaluation of the cortical, subchondral and trabecular bone of the tibia, fibula, tarsus and metatarsus bones. Nonetheless, the GE STIR T2-weighted images allowed us to better visualize the articular cartilage and synovial fluid. In both MRI pulse sequences, the ligaments and tendons appeared with low signal intensity compared with muscles that were visible with intermediate signal intensity. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this CT and MRI study of the Bengal tiger tarsal joint provide some valuable anatomical information and may be useful for diagnosing disorders in this large non-domestic cat.

Brief communication: Cineradiographic analysis of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints.

During terrestrial locomotion, chimpanzees exhibit dorsiflexion of the midfoot between midstance and toe-off of stance phase, a phenomenon that has been called the "midtarsal break." This motion is generally absent during human bipedalism, and in chimpanzees is associated with more mobile foot joints than in humans. However, the contribution of individual foot joints to overall foot mobility in chimpanzees is poorly understood, particularly on the medial side of the foot. The talonavicular (TN) and calcaneocuboid (CC) joints have both been suggested to contribute significantly to midfoot mobility and to the midtarsal break in chimpanzees. To evaluate the relative magnitude of motion that can occur at these joints, we tracked skeletal motion of the hindfoot and midfoot during passive plantarflexion and dorsiflexion manipulations using cineradiography. The sagittal plane range of motion was 38 ± 10° at the TN joint and 14 ± 8° at the CC joint. This finding indicates that the TN joint is more mobile than the CC joint during ankle plantarflexion-dorsiflexion. We suggest that the larger range of motion at the TN joint during dorsiflexion is associated with a rotation (inversion-eversion) across the transverse tarsal joint, which may occur in addition to sagittal plane motion.

Short-term outcome after treatment of talocrural instability in cats using modified type II transarticular external skeletal fixation.

Transarticular external skeletal fixation (TESF) is repeatedly used for temporary stabilisation of tarsal joint in cats. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the use of temporary modified type II TESF for management of talocrural instability (TCI) in cats without joint arthrodesis and to rate short-term outcomes and complications. Medical records of all cats treated for TCI between January 2012 and December 2021 were reviewed. Information was collected including signalment, degree of lameness, type of TCI, accompanying soft tissue and bone injuries, and post-operative follow-up assessment including time of frame removal, complications, degree of lameness, range of joint motion and ankylosis. Surgical management didn't involve debridement of the articular cartilage. Eighty-five percent of cats had satisfactory joint stability at the time of frame removal. Eighteen cats exhibited minor complications, six cats had major complications, and 8 cats showed persistent lameness. All cats showed reduction of joint motion range by 20°-30° directly after frame removal while returned to normal in 79% of cats 4 weeks later. Variable degrees of joint ankylosis were reported. In conclusion, this study supports the use of temporary modified type II TESF for management of TCI in cats without joint involvement as an excellent alternative to tarsal arthrodesis.

Foot biomechanics in patients with advanced subtalar- and mid-tarsal joint osteoarthritis and poorly responding to conservative treatment.

BACKGROUND: A comprehensive insight into the effects of subtalar- and mid-tarsal joint osteoarthritis on lower limb's biomechanical characteristics during walking is lacking. Our goal was to assess joint kinematics and kinetics and compensatory mechanisms in patients with subtalar and mid-tarsal joint osteoarthritis. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic and radiographically confirmed osteoarthritis of the subtalar and mid-tarsal (n = 10) and an asymptomatic control group (n = 10) were compared. Foot joint kinematics and kinetics during the stance phase of walking were quantified using a four-segment foot model. RESULTS: During pre-swing phase, the tibio-talar range of motion in the sagittal plane of the patient group decreased significantly (P = 0.001), whereas the tarso-metatarsal joint range of motion in the sagittal plane was greater in the pre-swing phase (P = 0.003). The mid-tarsal joint showed lower transverse plane range of motion in the patient group during the loading response and pre-swing phase (P < 0.001 resp. P = 0.002). The patient group showed a lower Tibio-talar joint peak plantarflexion moment (P = 0.004), peak plantarflexion velocity (P < 0.001) and peak power generation in the sagittal plane (P < 0.001), and a lower mid-tarsal joint peak adduction and abduction velocity (P < 0.001 resp. P < 0.001) and peak power absorption (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that patients with subtalar and mid-tarsal joint osteoarthritis adopt a cautious walking strategy potentially dictated by pain, muscle weakness, kinesiophobia and stiffness. Since this poorly responding population faces surgical intervention on the short term, we recommend careful follow-up after fusion surgery since biomechanical outcome measures associated to this post-surgical stage is lacking.

Repair of a calcaneal fracture with a combination of internal and external fixation in a calf.

A 6-day-old male Japanese Black calf presented with a transverse fracture of the left calcaneus. In calcaneal fractures, traction of the gastrocnemius muscle causes substantial displacement of the proximal fracture fragment; therefore, external fixation alone is prone to failure of fusion or deformed fusion. Furthermore, internal fixation alone may result in refracture due to the high load on the implant. Therefore, internal and external fixation were used to treat the fracture. Bone fusion was observed on postoperative day 50; the wire was removed on postoperative day 90. Radiographic examination at 4 months postoperatively revealed that the bone had fused in normal alignment. Therefore, a good prognosis can be expected for calcaneal fractures treated with combined internal and external fixation.

Weightbearing CT Analysis of the Transverse Tarsal Joint During Eversion and Inversion.

BACKGROUND: Understanding of the movement and function of the transverse tarsal joint (TTJt) continues to evolve. Most studies have been done in cadavers or under nonphysiologic conditions. Weightbearing computed tomographic (WBCT) scans may provide more accurate information about the position of the TTJt when the hindfoot is in valgus or varus. METHODS: Five volunteers underwent bilateral weightbearing CT scans while standing on a platform that positioned both hindfeet in 20 degrees of valgus and 20 degrees of varus. Each bone of the foot was segmented, and the joint surfaces of the talus, calcaneus, cuboid, and navicular were identified. The principal axes for each joint surface were determined and used to calculate the angles and distances between the bones with the foot in valgus or varus. RESULTS: In the coronal plane, the angle between the talus and calcaneus rotated 17.1 degrees as the hindfoot moved from valgus to varus. The distance between the centers of the talus and calcaneus decreased 7.1 mm. The cuboid translated 3.9 mm medially relative to the calcaneus. There was no change in angle or distance between the cuboid and navicular. The navicular rotated 25.4 degrees into varus relative to the talus. CONCLUSION: The TTJt locking mechanism was previously thought to occur from the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joint axes moving from parallel to divergent as the hindfoot inverts. The current data show a more complex interaction between the four bones that comprise the TTJt and suggests that the locking mechanism may occur because of tightening of the ligaments and joint capsules. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study uses weight bearing CT scans of healthy, asymptomatic volunteers standing on valgus and varus platforms to characterize the normal motion of the transverse tarsal joint of the foot. A better understanding of how the transverse tarsal joint functions may assist clinicians in both the conservative and surgical management of hindfoot pathology.

Short Term Clinico-Radiological Outcome of Extra Osseous Talo-Tarsal Stabilization (EOTTS) in Flat Foot: An Indian Perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Flexible flat foot is one of the most common foot conditions found amongst any age group across the world. One very important reason for this condition is the incongruency or partial dislocation of one or more joints within the talo-tarsal mechanism. This flexible talo-tarsal malalignment is termed as recurrent talo-tarsal joint dislocation (RTTJD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, 32 patients were advised Extra osseous talo-tarsal stabilization (EOTTS) as a standalone procedure for RTTJD following detailed clinical examination including foot posture index (FPI) scoring and weight-bearing radiographic evaluation. Subjective assessment was done through Maryland Foot Score (MFS) questionnaire. Radiological parameters like talar declination angle, talar second metatarsal angle and tibio-calcaneal valgus angle were assessed for preoperative and postoperative comparison. 15 patients (20 feet) underwent surgery and rest 17 patients (25 feet) became our control group. A retrospective record analysis of longitudinal data was done over a period of 4 years. The purpose of this study is to depict the short-term results of EOTTS procedure in terms of functional and radiological improvement and compare it with the non-surgical group. RESULT: Significant improvement was seen in MFS from 67.31 ± 16.04 to 95.47 ± 4.36 over a mean follow-up period of 30.66 ± 7.09 months. Total FPI improved by 96.83 ± 4.80% at final follow-up of EOTTS group. Radiologically, maximum correction achieved was in coronal plane (93.07 ± 30.05%). CONCLUSION: EOTTS, as a standalone procedure improved the foot radiological angles and restored the normal foot biomechanics significantly in presence of competent spring ligament and posterior tibial tendon. This procedure resulted in excellent patient satisfaction score as assessed by MFS questionnaire. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Dorsal Chopart's fracture dislocation - A rare injury.

A rare case of Dorsal Chopart's fracture dislocation after a fall from height is presented. It combines the features of pure dorsal Chopart's dislocation and the longitudinal swivel variant described by Main and Jowett presenting as dorsomedial fracture dislocation of the medial three fourths of the navicular, crushing the lateral one fourth. The possible mechanism of injury has been described. It has been successfully treated with closed reduction and percutaneous k-wire fixation. At two-year follow-up the patient was asymptomatic, back to his moderately active work.

Usefulness of Imaging Techniques in the Diagnosis of Selected Injuries and Lesions of the Canine Tarsus. A Review.

Tarsus lesions are not common in dogs, but they can cause serious health problem. They can lead to permanent changes in the joint and, in dogs involved in canine sports, to exclusion from training. The most common diseases and injuries involving the tarsal joint are osteochondrosis, fractures and ruptures of the Achilles tendon. These conditions can be diagnosed primarily through accurate orthopedic examination, but even this may be insufficient for performing a proper diagnosis. Imaging modalities such as radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography can facilitate the detection and assessment of lesions in the canine tarsal joint. This review paper briefly presents some characteristics of the above-mentioned imaging techniques, offering a comparison of their utility in the diagnosis of lesions and injuries involving the canine tarsus.

Free moment induced by oblique transverse tarsal joint: investigation by constructive approach.

The human foot provides numerous functions that let humans deal with various environments. Recently, study of the structure of the human foot and adjustment of an appropriate reaction force and vertical free moment during bipedal locomotion has gained attention. However, little is known about the mechanical (morphological) contribution of the foot structure to the reaction force and free moment. It is difficult to conduct a comparative experiment to investigate the contribution systematically by using conventional methods with human and cadaver foot experiments. This study focuses on the oblique transverse tarsal joint (TTJ) of the human foot, whose mechanical structure can generate appropriate free moments. We conduct comparative experiments with a rigid foot, a non-oblique joint foot (i.e. mimicking only the flexion/extension of the midfoot), and an oblique joint foot. Axial loading and walking experiments were conducted with these feet. The axial loading experiment demonstrated that the oblique foot generated free moment in the direction of internal rotation, as observed in the human foot. The walking experiment showed that the magnitude of the free moment generated with the oblique foot is significantly lower than that with the rigid foot during the stance phase. Using this constructive approach, the present study demonstrated that the oblique axis of the TTJ can mechanically generate free moments. This capacity might affect the transverse motion of bipedal walking.

Assessment of Vein Diameter and Body Surface Temperature after High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) on the Tarsal Joint in Healthy Horses.

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on vein diameter and on body surface temperature changes in the tarsal joint area in a group of clinically healthy racehorses. The hypothesis of the study was that HILT increases vein diameter and body surface temperature in healthy tissue. The study involved 16 Thoroughbreds being subjected to ultrasonographic examination to assess changes of diameter of the cranial branch of the medial saphenous vein and thermographic examination to indicate temperature change of the dorsal surface of the tarsal joint, just before and immediately after HILT treatment. Vein diameter and mean surface temperature of the tarsal joint significantly increased after HILT treatment. In addition, the study was the first to describe the photothermal effect of HILT in healthy horses. More studies are necessary to specify the parameters of the procedure, that is, wavelength, energy density, or time of the procedure, depending on the patient's individual characteristics and type of tissue.

Comparison of efficacy of staged versus elective operation for treating acute closed fracture-dislocation of tarsometatarsal joint complex / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of staged versus elective operation for treating acute closed fracture-dislocation of tarsometatarsal joint complex.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the clinical data of 26 patients with acute closed fracture-dislocation of tarsometatarsal joint complex admitted to Tongji Hospital of Tongji University from January 2017 to January 2021, of whom 18 were males and 8 were females, aged 32-52 years [(44.3±5.2)years]. According to the time from injury to admission, 14 patients admitted within 8 hours after injury underwent staged surgical treatment (staged group), and 12 patients admitted more than 8 hours after injury underwent elective surgery (elective group). In the staged group, emergency reduction and temporary internal fixation with K-wire were done under the supervision of a C-arm X-ray machine in the first stage, while after the swelling subsided, open reduction and internal fixation were done for tarsometatarsal joint fracture-dislocation in the second stage. In the elective group, open reduction and internal fixation were performed for tarsometatarsal joint fracture-dislocation on a scheduled basis after the swelling subsided. The operation time, hospitalization time and fracture healing time were recorded. The visual analogue score (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score were evaluated before operation, at 1, 6, 12 months after operation and at the final follow-up. The rate of complications was observed after operation.Results:All patients were followed up for 12-24 months [(18.5±3.8)months]. The operation time, hospitalization time and fracture healing time in the staged group were (77.3±5.6)minutes, (14.3±2.2)days and (12.3±1.2)weeks, respectively, significantly shorter than those in the elective group [(101.5±7.5)minutes, (20.3±5.2)days and (14.3±2.2)weeks] (all P<0.01). VAS significantly decreased and AOFAS midfoot score significantly increased in both groups as postoperative time increased (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in VAS between the two groups before operation, at 12 months after operation or at the final follow-up (all P>0.05). The VAS at 1, 6 months after operation was (4.4±0.8)points and (2.1±0.4)points in the staged group, significantly lower than those in the elective group [(6.0±1.0)points and (3.5±0.6)points] (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in preoperative AOFAS midfoot score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The AOFAS midfoot score at 1, 6, 12 months after operation and at the final follow-up was (67.6±4.5)points, (75.7±5.2)points, (83.6±2.2)points and (85.9±4.3)points in the staged group, significantly higher than those in the elective group [(60.2±3.9)points, (70.2±3.4)points, (75.4±3.3)points and (78.7±4.4)points] (all P<0.01). The rate of complications was 14.3% (2/14) in the staged group, significantly lower than that in the elective group [33.3% (4/12)] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared to traditional elective surgery, staged surgery for acute closed fracture-dislocation of tarsometatarsal joint complex has the advantages of shortened operation time, hospitalization time and fracture healing time, eary pain relief, improved functional recovery of the foot and reduced postoperative complications.

The Posterolateral Approach for Calcaneal Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Conventionally, the extended lateral approach (ELA) served as the standard extensile approach for intraarticular calcaneal fracture fixation. However, this approach has a high rate of wound complications. The purpose of this study was to describe an alternative approach, the posteriorlateral approach (PLA) and compare it to the ELA regarding soft tissue complications and functional outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 patients operated through PLA and 66 patients treated through ELA were included in this retrospective study. Major and minor soft tissue complications up to 3 months postoperatively were recorded. Eighteen patients of the PLA group and 32 patients of the ELA group were available for 1-year functional outcome assessment with the American Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) score. RESULTS: The PLA group had no major complications requiring surgical intervention. Six patients (19%) had minor wound complications. The ELA group had 8 (12%) major complications and 9 (14%) minor complications. There were no significant differences in AOFAS scores at 1-year followup. PLA is a safe and efficient approach for open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. CONCLUSION: In selected cases when fracture comminution and displacement may not be adequately treated through a less invasive approach, it is a good alternative with less concern about wound complications as in ELA.

Cuboid Injuries.

Cuboid fractures are rare injuries. A number of different treatment methods have been proposed including plaster immobilization, open reduction, and internal fixation or external fixation. Bone grafting is commonly used to restore bony length. The majority of the current literature suggests that the loss of length of the lateral column and articular congruency are the two criteria opting for the surgical management of these fractures. Nevertheless, the exact indications and ideal management of these fractures are not established mainly due to the rarity of these injuries and the paucity of literature.

Crush Fractures of the Anterior end of Calcaneum.

The anterior end of calcaneum fractures can present as inversion injuries, stress fractures or as a part of displaced intraarticular calcaneum fracture. Rarely, these may occur due to abduction injury from a laterally directed force that crushes the anterior calcaneum instead of the cuboid, and has associated medial column injuries which are unrecognized. Compression fractures of the anterior calcaneum are actually lateral column shortening injuries with poor outcomes in the few published reports. We describe three patients with compression fractures of the anterior end of calcaneum resulting from foot abduction injury which were managed by reduction and column length restoration via distraction by external fixator. All three fractures showed good to excellent outcomes using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot score at followup >1 year. Awareness of this injury pattern is important, and appropriate measures to reduce and maintain the fracture reduction are needed to avoid long term disability.

Surgical Treatment of Sanders Type 2 Calcaneal Fractures Using a Sinus Tarsi Approach.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneum is the most commonly fractured tarsal bone. The optimal treatment for displaced calcaneus fractures involving the posterior facet is surgical. The extensile lateral approach is commonly preferred because it provides sufficient exposure of the subtalar facet. However, this technique has the risk of complications such as wound necrosis and sural nerve injury. Various minimally invasive approaches, such as sinus tarsi approach, limited posterior approach, and percutaneous approach, have been introduced to reduce possible complications. This study was prospectively performed to evaluate the results of the sinus tarsi approach for Sanders Type 2 calcaneal fractures using postoperative computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2012 and December 2013, 20 Sanders Type 2 calcaneal fractures were consecutively treated using a sinus tarsi approach and checked using CT preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 12 months after surgery. Clinical evaluations were performed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the ankle-hindfoot score developed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Radiographic evaluations were performed using calcaneus lateral and axial radiographs, hindfoot alignment radiograph, and CT. Changes in Böhler's angles and calcaneal widths were evaluated both preoperatively and at last followup. Reduction of the posterior facet was graded according to articular step, defect, and angulation of the posterior facet in CT. RESULTS: VAS and AOFAS scores were significantly improved at 1 year after surgery but did not improve further. Böhler's angles and calcaneal widths were significantly improved after surgery. Böhler's angle was significantly smaller at the last followup than immediately after surgery, whereas calcaneal width was maintained. Reduction of the posterior facet was graded excellent in five feet (25%), good in ten (50%), and fair in five (25%) on immediately postoperative CT. Two feet (10%) had transient sural nerve injury which resolved within 3 months. Five feet (20%) had subfibular pain due to a prominent screw heads. CONCLUSION: Surgical management using a sinus tarsi approach produced good clinical and radiographic results and low wound complications for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. It is important to have stable fixation and to achieve sufficient reduction of calcaneal width for the prevention of loss of reduction and lateral subfibular impingement.