The comparison of pedobarographic parameters after calcaneal fractures

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aims to reveal surgical treatment’s effect on plantar load restoration and clinical outcomes compared to conservative treatment in intra-articular calcaneal fractures. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (Group 1) who underwent surgery for unilateral intra-articular calcaneal fractures and 28 patients who received conservative treatment (Group 2) were included in the study. Detailed static pedobarography examinations were per- formed on all patients. Plantar load distribution was evaluated based on the forefoot maximum and mean pressure, hindfoot maximum and mean pressure, and distribution of pressure in the heel area in the mediolateral direction. Clinical results were evaluated with the American orthopedic foot and ankle association (AOFAS) score and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. RESULTS: While the mean contact area between injured and non-injured sides did not differ in Group 1, there was a significant dif- ference between the two sides in Group 2 (p=0.009). Furthermore, on the injured side, the mean contact area (p=0.023) and forefoot pressures (p