Incidence and Timing of Foot Injury Diagnosis in Polytrauma Patients: A Retrospective Registry-Based Study

Foot injuries are often missed in polytrauma patients, as more severe injuries may overshadow them, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of foot injuries in polytrauma patients, evaluate the timing of their diagnosis, and identify risk factors associated with delayed diagnosis.

In this retrospective registry-based study, all polytrauma patients with a New Injury Severity Score of ≥16 treated at Tampere University Hospital (TAUH) from 2016 to 2023 were screened for foot fractures as well as Lisfranc and Chopart injuries. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and timing of diagnosis were extracted from TAUH's trauma registry and analyzed.

Out of 1327 polytrauma patients, 54 (4.1%) sustained foot injuries, totalling 215 foot injuries (195 fractures). Delayed diagnosis, defined as >24 hours between trauma and diagnosis, occurred in 23 patients (43%), involving 80 injuries (37%). Fractures of the midfoot and metatarsus were most commonly diagnosed with delay. Delayed diagnosis was significantly more common in patients with a higher number of foot fractures and injuries (P < .001). Logistic regression analysis identified number of foot injuries (OR 1.658 [95% CI 1.098-2.504 ]), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (OR 0.582 [95% CI 0.340-0.998]), and presence of concomitant facial injuries (OR 18.227 [95% CI 1.643-202.211]) as independent risk factors for delay in diagnosis.

A substantial portion of polytrauma patients had foot injuries that were diagnosed >24 hours after the time of trauma. Despite these delays, most injuries were minor and without notable clinical consequences. Current tertiary survey protocols effectively detect most major foot injuries requiring immediate attention.

Level III, retrospective registry.