OBJECTIVEReview the series cases of open calcaneal fractures, to discuss the clinical outcome and evaluate the effective factors associated with the prognosis.

METHODSBetween 2004 and October 2009, 427 calcaneal fractures were treated, 22 of these fractures were open, 15 feet of 15 patients were available for the follow-up. There were 9 males and 6 females with a mean age of 34.7 years (range 18 to 66). According to the Sanders classification, there were 2 type I fractures, 3 type II, 6 type III and 4 type IV. According to the Gustilo classification, there were 1 of type 1, 4 of type II, 5 of type III A, and 5 of type III B open fracture. According to the open calcaneal injury subtypes (OCIS), there were 1 of type IA, 2 of type II A,7 of type II B, 2 of type IIIA and 3 of type III B. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics, immediate and repeat irrigation and debridement, temporary wound coverage, and initial stabilization of the limb. Clinical examination, radiographs and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores were used for outcome measurement.

RESULTSThe average follow-up time was 16.4 months (8 to 31 months). The mean AOFAS score was (74.6 +/- 10.4) (range 58 to 94). There were 4 feet required tissue transfer for wound coverage. An infection developed at the sites of 5 fractures,4 of witch were Gustilo type III, 2 deep infections with osteomyelitis developing at the site of 1 patient, no patient required amputation.

CONCLUSIONThese findings do not reflect as high a deep infection and osteomyelitis rate for open calcaneal fractures as previously reported, if early and satisfying debridement, evaluate the soft tissue injury carefully, and choose the right time and indications for internal fixation. In addition, early internal fixation should be avoided for Gustilo type III and OCIS type B calcaneal fractures.