Enhancing surgical safety in lateral calcaneal plating: a cadaveric study on screw placement and fluoroscopic optimisation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Screw placement in lateral plating of calcaneal fractures presents a challenge due to the proximity of medial neurovascular structures. This study aims to identify high-risk zones, determine appropriate screw lengths, and define optimal fluoroscopic angles to enhance intraoperative visualisation and improve surgical safety.

Methods

Thirty-three fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were used. Following a lateral extensile approach, locking screws were inserted through an anatomical plate into seven predefined zones using sleeve-guided drilling, without plate bending or freehand angulation. For each screw, the appropriate length was initially measured, but to facilitate identification during subsequent medial dissection, longer screws were intentionally inserted. Follow

SUBMITTER: Kalem M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12276688 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature