title: [Complex trauma of the foot].
abstract: Following complex foot injuries (incidence up to 52%) in the multiply-injured patient the ultimate goal remains the same as for all significant foot injuries: the restoration of a painless, stable and plantigrade foot to avoid corrective procedures with moderate results. In the case of a complex trauma of the foot (5 point-score)--e.g. a crush injury--primary amputation in the multiply-injured patient (PTS 3-4) is indicated. Limb salvage (PTS 1-2) depends on the intraoperative aspect during the second look (within 24-48 hours after injury): the debridement has to be radical, the selection of amputation level should be at the most distal point compatible with tissue viability and wound healing. A free tissue transfer should be done early if necessary. Single lesions presenting with a compartment syndrome need an immediate dorsal fasciotomy, in the case of a multiply-injured patient as soon as possible. Open fractures are reduced following radical debridement and temporarily stabilized with K-wires and/or tibiotarsal transfixation with an external fixateur until the definitive ORIF. Dislocation-fractures of the talus type 3 and 4 according to Hawkins' classification need open reduction and internal fixation by screws (titan). Open fractures of the calcaneus are stabilized temporarily by a medial external fixateur after debridement until the definitive treatment. If there is a compartment syndrome an immediate dermatofasciotomy is essential. Like closed, calcanear fractures in multiply-injured patients dislocation-fractures of the Chopart's joint need immediate open reduction only if it is an open fracture or associated with a compartment syndrome. The incidence of a compartment syndrome in the case of dislocation fractures of the Lisfranc's joint is high and therefore a dorsal dermatofasciotomy without delay is critical. Open reduction and internal fixation are achieved either by 1.8 mm K-wires or 3.5 mm cortical screws. To avoid further soft tissue damage a delayed primary closure can be necessary and a temporary tibio-tarsal transfixation is useful. Despite the life-threatening injuries of the multiply-injured patient one must insist on an exact diagnosis of the foot trauma (radiographs in 3 standard projections: exact lateral, dorso-plantar, 45 degrees oblique) if long-term disability due to articular incongruities and complex derangement of the arc geometry of the foot is to be avoided.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Technische Universität Dresden.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zwipp
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dahlen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Randt
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gavlik
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
vernacular_title: Komplextrauma des Fusses.