Comparison of percutaneous screw fixation and calcium sulfate cement grafting versus open treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures

128 patients were randomized to determine the difference between percutaneous reduction and cannulated screw fixation with calcium sulfate cement grafting versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the outcome of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures. Follow-up was conducted for 24 months. The results indicated that clinical outcome and subtalar and ankle joint range of motion were improved with the percutaneous reduction procedure, and that earlier weight bearing did not increase the frequency of loss of reduction compared to ORIF. Additionally, there was no significant difference between treatments in the development of wound complications.