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Complications associated with open calcaneus fractures
Brent Wiersema1, David Brokaw, Timothy Weber
1Great Lakes Orthopedics Center, Traverse City, MI, USA.
Foot & Ankle International
|February 21, 2012
Summary
This study found that a standardized treatment protocol for open calcaneus fractures resulted in fewer complications, including infections and amputations, than previously reported in medical literature.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Care
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Literature on open calcaneus fractures is limited and inconsistent.
- This study addresses complications like osteomyelitis, amputations, and soft tissue infections.
- Data was collected from a Level I Trauma Center.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report complications associated with open calcaneus fractures.
- To evaluate outcomes following a standardized treatment protocol.
- To compare complication rates with existing literature.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 115 open calcaneus fractures (1995-2007).
- Standardized protocol: IV antibiotics, emergent irrigation and debridement (I&D), stabilization, and delayed fixation.
- Complications classified into superficial infections, deep infections, osteomyelitis, and amputations.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 23.5%; 13.9% required reoperation.
- Superficial infection: 9.6%; Deep infection: 12.2%.
- Amputations: 5.2%; Osteomyelitis: 5.2%.
Conclusions:
- A standardized protocol for open calcaneus fractures can lead to lower complication rates.
- The findings suggest improved outcomes compared to historical data.
- This protocol may be beneficial for managing complex foot fractures.
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