Postoperative Wound Complications after Internal Fixation of Closed Calcaneal Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of 126 Consecutive Patients with 148 Fractures

2005 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Koski ◽  
H. Kuokkanen ◽  
E. Tukiainen

Aim: 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. Material: 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.

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110130
Author(s):  
Kyeong-Hyeon Park ◽  
Chang-Wug Oh ◽  
Joon-Woo Kim ◽  
Hee-June Kim ◽  
Dong-Hyun Kim ◽  
...  

Background: Severely displaced calcaneal fractures can result in considerable morphology derangement and may be accompanied by soft tissue compromise. Delayed operative restoration of the calcaneal morphology may result in acute retensioning of the damaged soft tissue with associated wound-related complications. In this study, we describe a staged treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures that uses temporary transarticular Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation and staged conversion to definite fixation. Methods: We identified all of the patients who were treated at our institution for calcaneal fractures between 2015 and 2019. A total of 17 patients with 20 calcaneal fractures were selectively treated with 2-stage management. Temporary transarticular K-wire fixation was performed 24 hours after the injury to restore calcaneal morphology and the surrounding soft tissue. After the soft tissue was considered safe, delayed open reduction and internal fixation was performed. The time to definite surgery, radiographic alignment, wound complications, time to radiographic union, and hindfoot American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were recorded. Results: The average follow-up period was 17 months (range, 12-43). The average Böhler angle increased from a mean of −22 degrees (range, −109 to 25) to 25 degrees (range, 0 to 47) after temporary transarticular K-wire fixation. The mean time from temporary pinning to conversion to definite internal fixation was 20 (range, 10-32) days. There were no immediate postoperative complications. The average time to radiographic union was 13.7 (range, 10-16) weeks. The mean AOFAS score was 87 (range, 55-100). No infections or wound complications were reported during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Temporary transarticular pinning for staged calcaneal fracture treatment is safe and effective in restoring the calcaneal morphology. This novel and relatively simple method may facilitate delayed operation and decrease wound-related complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehran Dadras ◽  
Pascal Koepp ◽  
Johannes Maximilian Wagner ◽  
Christoph Wallner ◽  
Maxi Sacher ◽  
...  

A link of complications with worse oncologic prognosis has been established for multiple malignancies, while the limited literature on soft-tissue sarcomas is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to examine risk factors and the oncologic impact of wound complications after curative resection of primary soft-tissue sarcomas of the chest wall. Patients with primary soft tissue sarcomas of the chest wall were identified. Groups with and without wound complications were compared by using univariate and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors. For patients with clear surgical margins (R0), univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with 5-year local recurrence free survival (LRFS), metastasis free survival (MFS), and disease specific survival (DSS) were performed. A total of 102 patients were included in the study. Wound complications occurred in 11 patients (10.8%) within 90 days. Cardiovascular morbidity and operation time represented independent risk factors for wound complications. In 94 patients with clear surgical margins, those with wound complications had an estimated 5-year LRFS of 30% versus 72.6% and a 5-year DSS of 58.3% versus 82.1%. Wound complications could be identified as an independent predictor for worse LRFS and DSS. Patients with a high risk of wound complications should be identified and strategies implemented to reduce surgical complications and possibly improve oncologic prognosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (01) ◽  
pp. e17-e20
Author(s):  
Takeshi Tanaka ◽  
Kenji Ishii ◽  
Kyoko Matsumoto ◽  
Koushirou Miura ◽  
Ayako Kihara ◽  
...  

AbstractWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 497 patients who underwent tonsillectomy at Kamio Memorial Hospital from September 2015 to August 2018. A total of 35 cases (7.0%) developed postoperative bleeding and three cases (0.6%) needed a second operation under general anesthesia to stop the bleeding. Postoperative bleeding most frequently occurred between 24 hours and 6 days after the operation. The incidence of postoperative bleeding was significantly higher in males and in patients aged 20 to 39 years old. The operation time, body mass index, smoking habit, and history of hypertension were not identified as clinical risk factors for bleeding after tonsillectomy in this study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0002
Author(s):  
Brendon C. Mitchell ◽  
Matthew Y. Siow ◽  
Alyssa Carrol ◽  
Andrew T. Pennock ◽  
Eric W. Edmonds

Background: Multidirectional shoulder instability (MDI) refractory to rehabilitation can be treated with arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction with suture anchors. No studies have reported on outcomes or examined the risk factors that may contribute to poor outcomes in adolescent athletes. Hypothesis/Purpose: To identify risk factors for surgical failure by comparing anatomic, clinical, and demographic variables in adolescents who underwent surgical intervention for MDI. Methods: All patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery at one institution between January 2009 and April 2017 were reviewed. Patients >20 years old at presentation were excluded. Multidirectional instability was defined by positive drive-through sign on arthroscopy plus positive sulcus sign and/or multidirectional laxity on anterior and posterior drawer testing while under anesthesia. Two-year minimum follow-up was required, but those whose treatment failed earlier were included for reporting purposes. Demographics and intraoperative findings were recorded, as were Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scoring, Pediatric and Adolescent Shoulder Survey (PASS), and the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) results. Results: Eighty adolescents (88 shoulders) were identified for having undergone surgical treatment of MDI. Of these 80 patients, 42 (50 shoulders; 31 female, 19 male) were available at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Mean follow-up was 6.3 years (range, 2.8-10.2 years). Thirteen (26.0%) shoulders experienced surgical failure defined by recurrence of subluxation and instability, all of which underwent re-operation. Time to re-operation occurred at a mean of 1.9 years (range, 0.8-3.2). Our cohort had an overall survivorship of 96% at 1 year after surgery and 76% at 3 years. None of the anatomic, clinical, or demographic variables tested, or the presence of generalized ligamentous laxity, were correlated with subjective outcomes or re-operation. Number of anchors used was not different between those that failed and those that did not fail. Patients reported a mean SANE score of 83.3, PASS score of 85.0, and QuickDASH score of 6.8. Return to prior level of sport (RTS) occurred in 56% of patients. Conclusion: Multidirectional shoulder instability is a complex disorder that can be challenging to treat. Adolescent MDI that is refractory to non-surgical management appears to have long-term outcomes after surgical intervention that are comparable to adolescent patients with unidirectional instability. In patients who do experience failure of capsulorraphy, we show that failure will most likely occur within 3 years of the index surgical treatment. [Table: see text][Figure: see text]


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Xue ◽  
Ningdao Li ◽  
Zhurong Ji ◽  
Xingdong Cheng ◽  
Zhuqiu Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Dysphagia is one of the most common complications after anterior cervical spine surgery. The study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the Zero-P Implant System by multidimensional analysis and investigated the predictive values of these risk factors for dysphagia. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 260 patients who underwent ACDF with the Zero-P Implant System and had at least 2 year of follow-up ware performed. All patients were divided into a non-dysphagia group and a dysphagia group. Sex, age, body mass index (BMI), intraoperative time, estimated blood loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, prevertebral soft-tissue thickness, the levels of surgery, O-C2 angle, C2–7 angle, T1 slope and segmental angle were analyzed. Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to analyze the predictive value of each dimension for dysphagia. Results: In total, the non-dysphagia group comprised 170 patients and the dysphagia group comprised 90 patients. Chi-square test results indicated that number of operated levels, operation time dT1 slope, dO-C2 angle, dC2–7 angle, segmental angle and dPSTT were associated with a high incidence of dysphagia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that number of operated levels, operation time, dC2–7 angle and dPSTT were significantly associated with postoperative dysphagia.Conclusions: Number of operated levels, operation time, dC2–7 angle and dPSTT were significantly associated with postoperative dysphagia. In additionally, sufficient preoperative preparation, evaluation combining with proficient and precise treatment measures are suggested to reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia when ACDF is performed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 526-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Riedel ◽  
Amber Parker ◽  
Mingxin Zheng ◽  
Jorge Briceno ◽  
Steven J. Staffa ◽  
...  

Background: Considerable debate exists regarding how soft-tissue edema should influence timing of surgery for ankle and other lower extremity fractures. Assessment of swelling is subjective, and timing varies among surgeons. However, timing of surgery is one of the few modifiable factors in fracture care. Ultrasonography can objectively measure swelling and help determine optimal timing. The purposes of this study were to determine whether objective measures of swelling, timing to surgery, and patient-specific risk factors correlated with wound complications and to try to create a prediction model for postoperative wound complications based on identified modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Methods: Patients with closed ankle and other lower extremity fractures requiring surgery with an uninjured, contralateral extremity were included. Demographic information and sonographic measurements on both lower extremities were obtained pre-operatively. Subjects were followed for 3 months and wound complications were documented. A predictive algorithm of independent risk factors was constructed, determining wound complication risk. Given that patients with ankle fractures made up the majority of the study cohort (75/93 or 80%), a separate statistical analysis was performed on this group. A total of 93 subjects completed the study, with 75/93 sustaining ankle fractures. Results: Overall wound complication rate was 18.3%. Timing to surgery showed no correlation with wound complications. A heel-pad edema index >1.4 was independently associated with wound complications. Subgroup analysis of ankle fractures demonstrated a 3.4× increase in wound complications with a heel-pad edema index >1.4. Tobacco history and BMI >25 were independent predictors of wound complications. An algorithm was established based on heel-pad edema index, BMI >25, and tobacco history. Patients with none of the 3 factors had a 3% probability of a wound complication. Patients with 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 factors had a 12-36%, 60-86% and 96% probability of a wound complication, respectively. Conclusions: Timing to surgery had no correlation with wound complications. Heel-pad edema index >1.4, BMI >25, and tobacco-use correlated with wound complications. When separately analyzing the cohort that sustained ankle fractures, the heel-pad edema index of >1.4 was still demonstrated to be predictive of wound complications corresponding to a 3.4× increase in wound complication rates (11.1% vs 37.5%). Risk of wound complications significantly increased with each factor. In patients with increased BMI and/or tobacco use, resolution of heel edema may significantly reduce wound complications in lower extremity trauma. Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic, prospective cohort study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne K. Bremer ◽  
Lukas Kraler ◽  
Lars Frauchiger ◽  
Fabian G. Krause ◽  
Martin Weber

Background: The treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remains a challenge and the optimal approach is still controversial. The main reason to avoid the extended lateral approach is the high complication rate due to wound healing problems. We report on 16 years of experience with a standardized limited open reduction and internal fixation technique. Methods: Between 2001 and 2017, we prospectively followed 240 consecutive patients operatively treated for a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Patients with open, multiple, bilateral, extra-articular, and Sanders IV fractures and those lost to follow-up were excluded. A lateral subtalar approach was used, with a cast for 8 weeks and full weightbearing allowed after 12 weeks. Follow-up examinations were scheduled until 24 months. Subjective and clinical assessment included gait abnormality, subtalar and ankle range of motion, and stability and alignment. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was calculated. Alignment was analyzed on standard radiographs. In total, 131 patients were excluded. The remaining 109 patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months (34.4 ± 14.2 [range, 24-102] months). Results: The mean AOFAS score was 87 ± 13 (range, 32-100). “Excellent” and “good” results, as well as hindfoot motion with “normal/mild” and “moderate” restrictions, were seen in 80% of patients. Early reoperations were performed for insufficient reduction (2 patients), delayed wound healing (debridement, 3 patients), and hematoma (1 patient). Late revisions were arthrodesis (3 patients), medializing calcaneal osteotomy (1 patient), and implant removal (53 patients; 49%). Conclusion: The presented approach has remained unmodified for 16 years and resulted in consistently good functional results. The main disadvantage was the high rate of heel screw removal. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0019
Author(s):  
Wolfram Grün ◽  
Marius Molund ◽  
Fredrik Nilsen ◽  
Are Stødle

Category: Arthroscopy, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures using the extensile lateral approach is associated with high rates of infection and soft tissue complications. During the last years there was a trend towards less invasive fixation methods. Percutaneous and arthroscopically assisted calcaneal osteosynthesis (PACO) combines the advantages of good visualization of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint with a minimally invasive approach. We have performed this technique since 2014 in selected Sanders II and III fractures. Methods: We conducted a clinical and radiographic follow-up of 19 patients with 20 calcaneal fractures which had been treated by PACO with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The follow-up rate was 66% (19 of 29 patients). 18 men and 1 woman with a median age of 44 years (range, 21-65) and a follow-up period of 18 months (12-33) were examined. There were 11 Sanders II and 9 Sanders III fractures. Radiographs of all feet were obtained at final follow-up to evaluate the reduction of the fractures as well as the presence of osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint. Our primary outcome was the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Secondary outcomes were the Calcaneus Fracture Scoring System (CFSS), the Manchester- Oxford Foot Questionaire (MOxFQ), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the incidence of complications. Results: The patients were operated on after a median of 4 days after injury (range, 1-12). The operation time was 139.5 minutes (98-234). The patients were discharged 3 days (1-6) postoperatively. Postoperative radiographs showed a Böhler angle of 29.5 degrees (0-40). However, the follow-up radiographs showed subsidence of the fractures and a Böhler angle of 21 degrees (-16-36). 95% of the operated feet showed signs of posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis. There were no wound healing complications. Two patients were reoperated with screw removal due to prominent screws. The AOFAS score was 85 (50-100), the CFSS score 85 (26-100), the MOxFQ score 26.6 (0-73.4). The VAS pain score was 0 (0-5.7) at rest and 4 (0-8.2) during activity. Conclusion: Only a few articles have reported the outcome after percutaneous artroscopically assisted calcaneal osteosynthesis. Our results suggest that PACO gives good clinical results and a reduced risk of complications in selected calcaneal fractures. However, since this technique is technically challenging and has a steep learning curve, we expect to be able to further improve our results over time. Prospective longterm studies will be necessary to better document the potential advantages and limitations of this operating technique.


Author(s):  
Siddharth Goel ◽  
Abhay Elhence

Background: Fractures of the distal tibia are among the most difficult fractures to treat. The short distal segment presents difficulty in choosing the appropriate fixation method. The greatest challenge lies in the relatively tight soft tissue around the ankle. As a result, it has been a recent interest in treating these fractures with external fixation and limited internal fixation. The external stable fixation methods used are tubular or ring fixators, with or without immobilising the ankle. This minimally invasive nature of the surgery can avoid catastrophic wound complications like dehiscence, implant exposure and infection.Methods: 18 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures (AO Type 43A) were treated with the technique of ankle spanning external fixation. Lag screws or K-wires were supplemented for limited internal fixation when required. Fibula was stabilised in all cases. Intra- articular and Compound fractures were excluded. In addition to union at fracture site, ankle pain and motion was noted in each follow-up.Results: The mean follow-up was 25 months. Of the 18 patients included all but one fractures united with an average healing time of 16 to 18 weeks. Ankle pain and motion was graded according to Mazur modified by Teeny and Wiss clinical scoring system. 15 of them had excellent or good results, 2 had fair results. One patient had poor result. Five pin tract infections occurred. 17 patients had no evidence of osteoarthritis after completing follow up of at least 2 years.Conclusions: Distal tibial fractures are complex injuries, not only regarding the bony component, but also in terms of the management of the soft tissue problem. Ankle Spanning External Fixator with Limited Internal fixation is a relatively simple and cost-effective method for treating these fractures, achieving union and also maintaining ankle function.


Author(s):  
Chul Hyun Park ◽  
Hongfei Yan ◽  
Jeongjin Park

Aims No randomized comparative study has compared the extensile lateral approach (ELA) and sinus tarsi approach (STA) for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. This randomized comparative study was conducted to confirm whether the STA was prone to fewer wound complications than the ELA. Methods Between August 2013 and August 2018, 64 patients with Sanders type 2 calcaneus fractures were randomly assigned to receive surgical treatment by the ELA (32 patients) and STA (32 patients). The primary outcome was development of wound complications. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, pain scored of a visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, 36-item Short Form health survey, operative duration, subtalar joint range of movement (ROM), Böhler’s angle and calcaneal width, and posterior facet reduction. Results Although four patients (12.5%) in the ELA groups and none in the STA group experienced complications, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.113). VAS and AOFAS score were significantly better in the STA group than in the ELA group at six months (p = 0.017 and p = 0.021), but not at 12 months (p = 0.096 and p = 0.200) after surgery. The operation time was significantly shorter in the STA group than in the ELA group (p < 0.001). The subtalar joint ROM was significantly better in the STA group (p = 0.015). Assessment of the amount of postoperative reduction compared with the uninjured limb showed significant restoration of calcaneal width in the ELA group compared with that in the STA group (p < 0.001). Conclusion The ELA group showed higher frequency of wound complications than the STA group for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures even though this was not statistically significant.


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