title: Calcaneal fractures: selection bias is key.
abstract: In this paper, we critically appraise the recent publication of the United Kingdom Heel Fracture Trial, which concluded that when patients with an absolute indication for surgery were excluded, there was no advantage of surgical over non-surgical treatment in the management of calcaneal fractures. We believe that selection bias in that study did not permit the authors to reach a firm conclusion that surgery was not justified for most intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
authors.affiliation: Alexandra Hospital, 378 Alexandra Road, 159964, Singapore.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.affiliation: National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, 119228, Singapore.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, and Fortius Clinic, Fitzhardinge Street, London, W1H 6EQ, UK.
authors.forename: J D F
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Calder
mesh_terms: D002111:Calcaneus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015983:Selection Bias
keywords: Calcaneal fracture