To evaluate the short term follow-up results of minimally invasive technique in the management of Sanders type II, III, and IV joint depressive calcaneal fracture.

Between May 2008 and May 2011, we studied 17 cases undergoing treatment with minimally invasive technique with modified sinus tarsi approach for Sanders II, III, and IV joint depressive intra-articular calcaneal fracture and were followed up for more than 1 year. We evaluated the treatment result by assessing the radiologic parameters (Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and calcaneal height/width/length) and clinical outcomes (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society [AOFAS] score and visual analog scale [VAS]) and investigating the complication.

Radiological results improved from 7.9° to 19.8° in the Böhler angle after the operation. Satisfactory results were obtained in clinical assessment with average AOFAS score of 82.45 and the average VAS score of 3.94. We experienced 3 cases of complications, 1 case of superficial wound infection and radiologic findings of subtalar arthritis in 2 cases.

Minimally invasive technique may be a useful alternative surgical method in the management of Sanders type II, III, and IV joint depressive calcaneal fracture that cannot adopt extensile approach, which enable to obtain good radiological and clinical results.