Comparison of Open Versus Closed Reduction of Intraarticular Calcaneal Fractures

Seventeen displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures treated operatively were matched with 17 nonoperatively treated displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures among Workers' Compensation Board patients. Matching criteria included type of fracture, age, year of injury, and occupation. After follow-up averaging 6.3 years and 5.4 years, respectively, no significant differences existed between the two groups in heel pain, subtalar motion, and return to work. However, in those fractures treated operatively, the overall clinical result was better when an anatomic reduction of the subtalar joint was achieved.