Return to work after surgical treatment for displaced calcaneus fractures treated with a sinus tarsi approach

Abstract

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Calcaneus fractures most often occur as a result of a high-energy injury in patients of working age. While it is known that patients will require time to recover, the rate of return to work and at what time frame is not well known. The purpose of this registry is to evaluate return to work issues after surgical treatment of a displaced calcaneus fracture treated operatively with plate fixation by a sinus tarsi approach. Methods: Subjects with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures surgically treated with a variable angle locking calcaneal plate by a sinus tarsi approach were included in a registry. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographics, pre-operative, operative and post-operative characteristics. Results: The registry included 27 consecutive patients. According to Sanders classification, nine cases (33.3%) had type II fractures, sixteen cases (59.3%) had type III, and two cases (7.4) had type IV fractures. 23/27 (85%) patients were able to return to work at their pre injury occupation involving prolonged standing. Four (4) of the 23 patients required work restrictions, Return to work occurred at an average of 16.5 weeks from injury (range 9-22 weeks) for individuals with weight bearing occupations. One patient was able to return at 4 weeks to a temporary sit down position. Three (3) patients were unable to return to their prior occupation. Return to work information was unknown for 1 patient. Conclusion: The data demonstrates that patients treated for displaced intra articular calcaneus fractures with a variable angle locking plate by a sinus tarsi approach return to work to standing occupations at a high rate. The return to work data may be used to counsel patients and employers on realistic return to work expectations.