Functional outcome of closed reduction and percutaneous multiple K-wire fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture

Abstract

Background: Calcaneal fracture, being the most common tarsal bone fracture, accounts upto 65% of the cases, and 2% of all fractures. 75% of calcaneal fractures are intra-articular, which is the most common type of fracture. Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) are complex injuries associated with significant morbidity. Minimally invasive fixation seeks to restore the joint congruity while minimizing soft tissue complications seen in open approaches. In our study we evaluated the functional and radiological outcomes of closed reduction and percutaneous multiple K-wire fixation in DIACF.Methods: The study was carried out as a descriptive and prospective study in the Department of Orthopaedics, Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata, India during the period July 2025 to December 2025. Thirty patients of 20 to 60 years, who underwent surgical fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture using multiple K wires were followed up. Functional and radiological outcomes at six months follow up were assessed.Results: In our study of 30 patients with DIACF who underwent minimally invasive surgical fixation with k-wires, the mean final AOFAS score was 82.4 ± 6.7. Böhler angle improved from 8.6° preoperatively to 27.2° at final follow-up; Gissane angle corrected from 141.8° to 122.3°. Excellent-to-good outcomes were observed in 86.7% of patients. Complications occurred in 13.3% of cases, primarily superficial pin-tract infections; no deep infections or hardware failures were noted.Conclusion: Closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation is an effective minimally invasive technique for selected DIACF, providing satisfactory functional recovery and radiographic restoration with low complication rates.