Calcaneal Fracture Study. Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective, randomised controlled trial comparing the extensive lateral and sinus tarsi approaches for internal fixation of displaced, intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
IRAS ID
142143
Contact name
Anish Amin
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
A fracture to the heel bone (calcaneus) is a serious injury and may result in long term pain, abnormal shape and stiffness in the foot. We know that certain heel bone fractures carry a higher risk of these problems and in such cases an operation is recommended in order to reduce these risks. This operation is usually done by making a large cut (incision) around the edge of the heel bone and putting the broken bone back to its normal position by fixing it together with metal work. Although this operation is carried out commonly around the world it has a high risk of complications such as infection, damage to nerves and poor wound healing.
An alternative method is occasionally used where a much smaller cut is placed in a different location over the heel bone. This alternative cut is thought to result in fewer complications, however, it is unclear if this operation allows the surgeon to fix the heel bone back to its normal position as well as the traditional way of doing it as the cut is much smaller and some surgeons feel it limits visualisation and makes the operation more technically challenging.
We currently perform both operations in our centre but are unsure as to which technique is the best for patients. We would like to directly compare both methods in order to decide which is the best one to recommend to future patients both in our centre and around the world. This will be done by monitoring a group of patients who undergo each method and comparing them to each other with regards to foot function, pain, complications and scans of the heel bone to ensure it heals back to its normal position after the operation.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
14/SS/1108
Date of REC Opinion
27 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion