Computed Tomography Imaging-Based Preoperative Virtual Simulation for Calcaneal Fractures Reduction.

Reduction of calcaneal fractures via a small incision approach at the sinus tarsi is technically difficult. This study was undertaken to determine if preoperative virtual simulation based on computed tomographic data improves reduction and reduces complications. Fifty-five patients with calcaneal fractures were treated via the sinus tarsi approach with minimally invasive plates between February 2013 and December 2015. DICOM files obtained from computed tomographic imaging preoperatively were imported into Superimage software, and virtual surgery was performed. Preoperative planning time, operative time, and complications were recorded. Clinical function was analyzed with radiology and with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and visual analogue scale scores. As a result, preoperative planning time was 30.7 ± 4.1 minutes, which increased with the severity of the fracture (Sanders III vs Sanders II: 34.2 ± 2.5 minutes vs 27.8 ± 2.7 minutes), which was in line with the real surgery, with a mean operative time of 86.7 ± 4.5 minutes (Sanders III vs Sanders II: 89.5 ± 2.7 minutes vs 84.3 ± 4.4 minutes). Radiologic results indicated that the calcaneal width, length, height, Böhler angle, and Gissane angle were significantly corrected from preoperatively to postoperatively. After a mean follow-up of 21.5 ± 6.1 months, no complications were observed. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 88.7 ± 4.0, with an excellent/good rate of 94.5% (52 of 55). The mean visual analogue scale score was 0.8 ± 0.9. In conclusion, preoperative virtual simulation may be efficient to promote accomplishment of sinus tarsi surgery, and this step may help improve outcomes for calcaneal fractures.