The spectrum of open fractures of the foot in adults.

BACKGROUND

Open foot fractures are rare, and few surgeons see the whole spectrum of these injuries. There has been no previous study of the epidemiology and severity of open foot fractures.

METHODS

A 23-year study of the epidemiology of open fractures was undertaken in a hospital with a catchment area of about 530 000 adults. The results were used to calculate the incidences of open foot fractures and to study their epidemiology and severity.

RESULTS

In 23 years, 348 open foot fractures were treated. Analysis showed 3 levels of severity with the least severe fractures being isolated open forefoot fractures, which occurred in 69% of the patients. Patients with multiple forefoot fractures had a higher Injury Severity Score (ISS), prevalence of Gustilo type III fractures, and amputation rate. The most severely injured patients presented with open hindfoot and midfoot fractures. They had an average ISS of 12, and 65.9% had Gustilo type III fractures. In patients with open hindfoot fractures, the amputation rate was 17.1%. This rose to 30% in patients with open midfoot fractures. Open foot fractures tended to occur in younger patients, and only 13% were in patients aged at least 65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Open foot fractures are uncommon. There were 3 levels of injury. Level 1 injuries were isolated fractures of the forefoot. Level 2 injuries were multiple forefoot fractures, and level 3 injuries were open fractures of the midfoot and hindfoot. These were severe injuries with a high amputation rate. They should be treated in level 1 trauma centers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.