Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures are challenging injuries that often require surgical intervention to restore joint congruity while minimizing soft tissue complications. This retrospective comparative study evaluated two minimally invasive fixation techniques—percutaneous cannulated screws and Kirschner wires (K-wires)—to determine their effectiveness in achieving favorable functional and radiological outcomes. Clinical data, radiographic parameters, patient satisfaction, pain scores, and complication rates were compared between the two treatment groups.

The study included 70 patients, with 34 treated using cannulated screws and 36 treated using K-wires. Although operative time was significantly shorter with K-wire fixation (40.5 ± 5.6 minutes) compared with cannulated screws (49.5 ± 4.5 minutes; P < .001), there were no significant differences between the groups in radiological outcomes, including Böhler's angle, the angle of Gissane, calcaneal height, width, or length. Functional recovery, assessed using the Maryland Foot Score (MFS), pain severity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, and complication rates were also comparable between the two fixation methods.

These findings suggest that both minimally invasive techniques provide excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. While cannulated screws and K-wires demonstrated similar effectiveness in restoring function and maintaining fracture reduction, K-wire fixation offered the practical advantage of a shorter operative time. The results support the use of either technique based on surgeon preference, fracture characteristics, and available resources, with K-wires representing an efficient and cost-effective minimally invasive option.