This study compares the clinical results of open reduction and internal fixation with and without bone graft for the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

Twenty-five patients who had open reduction and internal fixation for intra-articular calcaneal fractures and available for at least 1 year of follow-up were included in this study. Fifteen cases were operated with bone graft. Period to bone union and functional evaluation score were compared between both groups with analysis of complications.

Bone union was achieved in all cases with average bone union time of 11.6 weeks and 12.8 weeks in group with and without bone graft respectively. Creighton-Nebraska Health Foundation (CNHF) functional score was 86.5 points and 80.3 points respectively. The period to bone union and the CNHF score in the comparison of two groups were statistically insignificant. Complications were observed in four cases of group without bone graft and 5 cases of group with bone graft.

This study indicates that bone graft does not play a significant role in bone union and functional outcome when intra-articular calcaneal fractures are treated with open reduction and internal fixation.