Introduction: Since 2004 we chose the arthroscopic method of therapy by the retrocalcaneal bursitis and problems caused by prominence of heel Haglund type.

Materials and Method: We operated 48 patients (52 heel bones) by arthroscopic method. We do this operation on ventral position with using 2 or 3 paraachilear incisions, we commonly check the progress of the operation using X-rays sciascopy. After operation we recommend light exercises of the movement of the ankle and 3 week walking on crutches with limited weight. Antitrombotic prophylaxis is standard.

Results: We checked the results after 2–48 months after operating procedure. The patients were examined clinically and with the help of VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). The condition of all patients has improved, most of them were very satisfied with the operation. We have not noticed any disorders in healing operation wounds, 1 deep trombosis has been diagnosed by the sonography. We compared this arthroscopy method with open operating method. We have been using since the year 2004 both operating methods, but we have been trying to separate the indications for the arthroscopy and for the open approach, because we are the meaning, that the arthroscopy technique is not the best choice in all cases. We have recently set clear indications for both methods in our orthopaedic department. The progress of rehabilitation was noticeably faster than by the open method, postoperative swelling and pain were markedly less as well.

We describe the results of 287 intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum in 247 patients treated by minimally-invasive reduction and K-wire fixation between 1994 and 2003. There were 210 men (85%) and 37 women (15%). The most common cause of injury was a fall from a height in 237 patients (96%). Fracture classification was based on the method described by Sanders and Essex-Lopresti. All patients were operated on within 21 days of injury and 89% (220) within 48 hours. The reduction was graded as nearly anatomical (less than 2 mm residual articular displacement and satisfactory overall alignment) in 212 (73.9%) fractures.

There were 20 cases (7%) of superficial pin-track infection and five (1.7%) of deep infection. All healed at a mean of 6 weeks (3 to 19). Loss of reduction was observed in 13 fractures (4.5%) and a musculocutaneous flap was needed in three (1%).

The results were evaluated in 176 patients (205 fractures) with a mean age of 44.3 years (13 to 67), available for follow-up at a mean of 43.4 months (25 to 87) using the Creighton-Nebraska Health Foundation Assessment score. The mean score was 83.9 points (63 to 100). There were 29 (16.5%) excellent, 98 (55.7%) good, 26 (14.8%) fair and 23 (13%) poor results. A total of 130 patients (73.9%) were able to return to their original occupation at a mean of 5.6 months (3.2 to 12.5) after the injury.

Semi-open reduction and percutaneous fixation is an effective treatment for displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum.