Background: The most common fracture of tarsal bones is calcaneum fractures. Fewer complications are associated with closed and percutaneous techniques as compared with open reduction techniques. Aims & objectives: The aim of the study was to analyse the functional outcome of calcaneal fractures treated by external fixator application. Methods: This prospective study conducted over duration of 2 years in orthopaedics department of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Subharti medical college, Meerut. It consists of 30 cases with displaced calcaneal fracture treated using percutaneous reduction technique followed with external-fixator application. Patients were followed up for minimum of 12 months. The functional outcome was evaluated using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) - Hind foot score. Results: The mean age was 37.4 years and majority were males 17 cases (56.66%). The mean Bohlers and Gissanes angle preoperative was 12, and 154.60 respectively which improved postoperatively and at final 12 months follow-up was 30.40 and 144.70 respectively. At final 12 months follow-up, the functional outcome calculated on basis of AOFAS score was excellent in 8 (26.6%), good in 20 (66.74%), fair in 1 (3.33%) and poor in 1 (3.33%). Mean AOFAS score was good (84.62). Complications were reported in four cases with pin-site infection. Conclusions: This method is effective and has good functional outcome with lesser complications.
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