SUMMARY
The purpose was to compare the outcomes of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures in older children treated with poking reduction and cannulated screws fixation or with plates fixation using a sinus tarsi approach. 50 patients were randomised to operative stabilisation either by poking reduction and cannulated screws fixation (Group A, 28) or by plates fixation using a sinus tarsi approach (Group B, 22). No significant difference between these two groups in radiation time, average length of hospitalization, union time, full weight-bearing time, full physical activity time and the average AOFAS score. However, the patients of Group B had longer operation time (38.0±10.6 min vs. 66.5±9.4 min, P<0.05) and more hospital costs (6200±800 RMB vs. 15000±2000 RMB, P<0.05). Bohler’s angle and Gissane’s angle were significantly restored after surgery (P<0.05)on both groups. Postoperative incision pain was more frequent in Group B than in Group A (P<0.05).Both cannulated screws and plates were efficient methods for intra-articular calcaneal fractures in older children. However, poking reduction and cannulated screws fixation had the shorter operative time, fewer hospital costs and less incision pain.