To evaluate the surgical outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation of AO calcaneal plate in displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus.

From January 2004 to July 2007, 25 patients with 27 displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using the AO calcaneal plate. Preoperative, postoperative evaluations and a follow-up after 1 year were done radiologically by the Böhler angle, Gissane angle, heel height and width among all patients. Their functional status was assessed by means of the Maryland foot score.

The mean Böhler angle, Gissane angle, heel height and width were restored comparing with preoperative data. However, in Sanders type IV, some losses of reduction occurred at 1 year follow-up (p<0.05). The mean Maryland foot scores were 85 points in type II, 82 points in type III and 63 points in type IV. Sanders types significantly affected the clinical results (p<0.05).

The AO calcaneal plate fixation using extensile L-shpaed lateral approach shows satisfactory radiologic and clinical results in the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.