Salvage of Combat Hindfoot Fractures in 2003-2014 UK Military:

Background:Hindfoot fractures pose a considerable challenge to military orthopaedic surgeons, as combat injuries are typically the result of energy transfers not seen in civilian practice. This study aimed to characterize the pattern of hindfoot injuries sustained by UK military casualties in recent conflicts, define the early amputation and infection rate, and identify factors associated with poor early outcomes.Methods:The UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry was searched for British military casualties sustaining a hindfoot fracture from Iraq and Afghanistan between 2003 and 2014. Data on the injury pattern and management were obtained along with 18-month follow-up data. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test and binomial logistic regression analysis. The threshold for significance was set at P < .05. One hundred fourteen patients sustained 134 hindfoot injuries. Eighteen-month follow-up was available for 92 patients (81%) and 114 hindfeet (85%).Results:The calcaneus was fractured in 1...