Introduction: This video demonstrates the technique for a sinus tarsi approach for calcaneal fracture fixation.

Methods: The patient shown in the video is a 29-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department after falling down 15 stairs. Radiographs of the right foot demonstrated an intra-articular calcaneal fracture with depression of the subtalar joint articular surface and a displaced cuboid fracture. CT scans revealed a 5-mm depression of the articular surface.

Results: The patient was indicated for surgical fixation of the calcaneal fracture via a sinus tarsi approach. Indications for the sinus tarsi approach include Sanders type II or type III calcaneal fractures or a tongue-type intra-articular calcaneal fracture. The advantages of the sinus tarsi approach include a faster time to surgery and decreased risk of wound dehiscence or necrosis.

Conclusion: The sinus tarsi approach for calcaneal fracture fixation allows for excellent visualization of the joint surface. Via a combination of plates specifically designed for the sinus tarsi approach and percutaneous screw fixation, anatomic reconstruction of the joint and stable fixation of the calcaneus can be achieved.