Buttress plating of plantar medial tuberosity calcaneus fractures through a medial approach: surgical technique and case series.

Abstract

This case series introduces the medial approach for surgical management of plantar medial avulsion (PMA) fractures of the calcaneus, which frequently occur in conjunction with tongue-type fracture patterns. The technique allows for direct access to the PMA fragment, enabling precise reduction and stabilization through buttress plating. In a series of 12 patients treated at a single institution, there were no soft tissue related complications including infections, wound issues, or neurologic injuries, and only one case requiring reoperation for symptomatic lateral implants. In conclusion, the medial approach demonstrates a safe and effective alternative for managing PMA fractures, potentially maximizing the biomechanical approach to the fracture while minimizing soft tissue complications. Further research is necessary to compare this technique with existing approaches to determine if clinical outcomes of patients improve with utilizing this technique.