Evaluation of wound complications following surgical treatment using the extended lateral approach for intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the complications of extended lateral approach in the surgical treatment of intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus in a university hospital. Methods: From January 2010 to December 2012 were reviewed 37 patients with intraarticular fractures, surgically treated by open reduction and internal fixation, accomplishing the lateral extended approach. Data collection was conducted through interviews and review of medical records. The analysis was performed using descriptive techniques (absolute frequency, relative frequency and measures of central tendency  mean and median), represented by tables and graphs. Results: Seventeen of 43 (39.5%) operated feet had complications in the surgical wound, dehiscence occurred in 9 cases (20.9%), superficial infection in 1 patient (2.3%), 4 deep infections (9.3%) and one case of neuropraxia of the sural. Conclusions: We conclude that the extended lateral approach in the treatment of intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus with deviation despite facilitate more direct approach by viewing, had a high rate of complications, such as wound dehiscence the most common, but similar to those described in literature.