ABSTRACT
CONTENTS I. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 381 II. General Considerations ..................................................................................................... 382 III. Late Reconstruction .......................................................................................................... 382 IV. Specific Injuries ................................................................................................................. 383
A. Talus Fractures .......................................................................................................... 383
B. Calcaneus................................................................................................................... 384
C. Midfoot...................................................................................................................... 387
D. Cuboid ....................................................................................................................... 387
E. Syndesmotic Injuries.................................................................................................. 389
F. Compartment Syndrome ........................................................................................... 389
G. Flexion Contractures ................................................................................................. 390 V. Summary ........................................................................................................................... 390 References .................................................................................................................................. 390
I. INTRODUCTION
Complex foot and ankle injuries are occurring more frequently. Traditionally, victims of severe automobile accidents succumbed to their injuries [1]. However, even though the number of automobile accidents increases by approximately 2% per year, the percentage of fatalities is decreasing [2]. This results in an increase in the number of people with significant high-energy foot and ankle fractures. Past considerations have focused on prevention of head and thoracic injuries whereas today there is more focus on prevention of the collapse of the foot box during an accident. The demographics of the injured have changed from several decades ago as well. The population continues to be older and more patients are on medications that affect bone quality (e.g., steroids).
