Complications of intraarticular calcaneal fractures

The treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures remains a controversy in 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 nonoperative treatment of calcaneal fractures to determine the most common complications reported. The following were reported to be the most common complications: swelling and fracture blisters, compartment syndrome, wound dehiscence 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 awareness of these complications and their prevention will aid the practitioner in decision-making and result in better treatment outcomes for this fracture.