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Primary reconstruction for combat-related hindfoot injuries resulted in higher return-to-duty rates
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Patients treated with primary reconstruction for combat-related hindfoot injuries experienced higher return-to-duty rates compared with those treated with amputation, according to study findings.
Researchers retrospectively identified 122 patients treated for combat-related hindfoot injuries between May 2005 and July 2011. Patients were categorized as being treated with transtibial amputation or with either primary hindfoot repair or reconstruction.
The review showed 57 patients were treated with amputation and 65 patients were treated with hindfoot reconstruction or ankle fusion. The researchers found an overall return-to-duty rate of 20%.
Patients who underwent amputation had a return-to-duty rate of 12%. This rate was lower than patients who had a fusion or hindfoot repair, according to the researchers.
Study results also showed a significantly higher disability rating for amputees compared with patients who underwent either ankle fusion or primary hindfoot repair. However, patients treated with fusion or hindfoot reconstruction were found to have a higher rate of psychiatric conditions, according to the researchers.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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