Abstract
Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of temporary K-wire fixation in F-plate fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: Two groups (group 1 with F-plate fixation only and group 2 with temporary K-wire fixation and F-plate fixation) of patients were included in this study. The temporary K-wire was removed six weeks after the operation. Each group consisted of 33 cases. Rotational axis angles were measured radiographically and the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) was used for clinical assessment. Results: In group 1, the mean rotational axis angle was reduced from $27^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $5.59^{\circ}$ postoperatively and the angle at last follow-up was $9.94^{\circ}$. There was an increase in angle of $4.35^{\circ}$ between postoperative and the last follow-up measurement. In group 2, the mean rotational axis angle was reduced from $21.2^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $4.39^{\circ}$ postoperatively and the angle at last follow-up was $5.91^{\circ}$. There was an increase in angle of $1.52^{\circ}$ between postoperative and the last follow-up measurement. Significant difference in the changes of rotational axis angle was observed between the two groups. However, no significant difference in FAOS was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Temporary K-wire fixation can prevent reduction loss when treating displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures with an F-plate.
