Soft Tissue Complications Following Calcaneal Fractures

Open treatment of calcaneal fractures has increased in popularity overthe past 10 to 15 years among orthopaedic surgeons but remains controversial secondary to the associated complications. In the literature, the most common soft tissue complications following calcaneal fractures include wound necrosis, compartment syndromes of the foot leading to late deformity, chronic pain from neurovascular injury, and various tendon problems. The initial evaluation of the patient who has a calcaneal fracture prior to operative treatment may reduce the incidence of postoperative complications by identifying and rectifying risk factors. In some cases, nonoperative treatment may be indicated to avoid disastrous postoperative wound issues and deep infection.