Management of Wound Complications after Internal Fixation of Calcaneal Fractures Using the Lateral Approach

Objective To introduce the management of wound complication after internal fixation of calcaneal fractures.Methods From Aug 2001 to Jul 2010,28 patients with wound complication of wound edge necrosis,dehiscence,hardware exposure and deep infection,were analysed retrospectively.There were 26 male and 2 female patients age from 25 to 66 years(average age was 47.6 years).19 patients had history of smoking and 1 with type Ⅱ diabetes.The time from the bone surgery to referral of the patient for wound management was 5 to 31 weeks.Results The wound in 5 patients with superficial wound healed without surgery.The others were treated by operation.Implants were removed.The wound was covered with local flap in 4 patients and sural subcutaneous turnover flap in 19 cases.Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 3 years.All flaps were successful.No chronic infections developed.All patients recovered the function of walking.Conclusion The treatment should be selected according to the wound.VSD in the treatment of wound necrosis has improved the surgeon′s ability to manage this complication.