Quality of Life and Functionality of Patients With Heel Reconstruction After Landmine Explosions

Background: Landmine injuries cause extensive soft and bony tissue loss of the weightbearing areas, particularly the heel. Reconstruction of these injuries is challenging, and there are no studies that report long-term functional results. Objective: To determine the quality of life and long-term functionality of patients who had heel reconstruction with free muscle flap after landmine injuries. Design: A case-control study. Participants: Nine male patients who had heel reconstruction with free muscle flap. Ten male volunteers without any gait disorder were included in the study as the control group. Methods and Interventions: Functional ambulation scale, visual analog scale, energy expenditure index, 6-minute walking test, 10-m walking test, and Short Form 36 were performed to determine the quality of life and functionality of the participants. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of functional ambulation scale, energy expenditure index, 6-minute walking test, and 10-m walking test. Regarding Short Form 36 scores, all subgroup values were lower in the reconstruction group, whereas only those of general health, vitality, and physical-emotional role limitation subgroups showed statistical significance. Mean visual analog scale scores were found to be statistically different between the groups (P<.05). Mean Freiburg Ankle scores showed moderate functionality. Conclusion: Despite the associated physical and emotional trauma, combat-injured veterans with heel reconstruction after landmine injuries had adequate and functional ambulation at long-term follow-up. Early rehabilitation and close cooperation between surgeons and rehabilitation physicians during the care of these patients will enhance patient outcomes.