Complications of intraarticular calcaneal fractures

The treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures remains a controversy i n orthopaedics because of the associated complications. The authors present a systematic review of complications associated with calcaneal fractures. A MEDLINE search was conducted to review the results of operative and nonop erative treatment of calcaneal fractures to determine the most common compl ications reported. The following were reported to be the most common compli cations: swelling and fracture blisters, compartment syndrome, wound dehisc ence and infection, neurovascular injury, tendon injury, heel pad pain and heel exostosis, malunion, and arthritis. Each complication was reviewed as to etiology, incidence, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Increased awa reness of these complications and their prevention will aid the practitione r in decision-making and result in better treatment outcomes for this fract ure.