Postoperative wound complications after internal fixation of closed calcaneal fractures: a retrospective analysis of 126 consecutive patients with 148 fractures.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to analyse the number of soft-tissue complications after internal fixation of calcaneal fractures and to evaluate risk factors leading to these complications.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 126 consecutive patients with 148 operatively treated calcaneal fractures was performed. Only primarily closed fractures were included in the study.


RESULTS
Wound healing was problematic in 35 cases (24 per cent). The wound was infected in 23 cases (16 per cent) and a wound edge necrosis was observed in 12 cases (8 per cent). The soft tissue complication needed operative treatment in 20 cases (14 per cent). The complications did not lead to amputations in any case. In the end of the follow up all wounds had healed.


CONCLUSIONS
The statistical analysis identified a longer delay in surgery and longer operation time to be positive risk factors for wound complications.
Koski
A
A
Helsinki University Central Hospital, Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki, Finland. antti.koski@saunalahti.fi
Kuokkanen
H
H
Tukiainen
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology*; D014945:Wound Healing