Foot injuries caused by anti-personnel mines

During 18 months of the 1991-1992 war against Croatia, 14 persons wounded by antipersonnel mines were admitted to the Department of Surgery at Osijek University Hospital. Twelve had injury of the calcaneal region. Kirschner wires were used for minimal osteosynthesis. Delayed wound closure was performed 14 to 21 days after injury. The methods used were delayed direct closure, split skin-thickness graft, or microvascular free flaps. Osteitis did not develop, and all patients walked with full weight after 1 year.