The Journal of foot and ankle surgery : official publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
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The current reference standard for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures is open reduction and internal fixation using an extended lateral approach. In the present retrospective study, we evaluated the results of a consecutive series of patients treated in the same fashion from June 2005 to September 2011 using a subcuticular single-layer closure technique. We also determined the risk factors for the development of wound complications and the rate of wound complications. ⋯ It was associated with a low complication rate combined with the extended lateral approach. The effect of bone void fillers on the incidence of complications should receive more attention in future research. The association between wound complications and the experience level of the surgical team supports the need for centralization of this complex injury.
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The calcaneus is the most frequently fractured tarsal bone. Compartment syndrome (CS) complicates fractures and other injuries and is most commonly described in association with the lower leg. The long-term sequelae of CS of the foot can include toe clawing, permanent loss of function, persistent pain, muscle atrophy, contracture, painful warts, weakness, and sensory disturbances. ⋯ Untreated CS can cause muscle and nerve injury and contribute to a poor functional outcome. Because CS is more likely to develop after highly comminuted intra-articular fractures, these patients warrant close monitoring for CS development. Early detection and treatment might result in fewer late disabling sequelae of this injury.