Abstract
Purpose
The chosen treatment and long-term evaluation of hindfoot blast injuries are not well-represented in the literature. The first objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate functional outcomes in French service personnel who had sustained such injuries caused by improvised explosive devices. The second objective was to compare the results for patients who had amputations with those who did not. The hypothesis was that amputee recovered better function.
Methods
Long-term functional evaluations were carried out using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale (AOFAS), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the Short Form 12 health survey (SF-12).
Results
Eight servicemen with ten hindfoot blast injuries were reviewed at a mean follow-up time of seven years. Primary management was always conservative although half of the patients required late amputation for chronic pain. The patients who underwent amputation reported significantly lower levels of pain than those who did not have an amputation, with higher FAAM and SF-12 scores.
Conclusion
In this series, long-term functional results appear better in the amputated group.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Bertrand Bauer and Jennifer Dandrea for their contribution to this study and to all the healthcare personnel involved in the treatment of these patients.
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Chataigneau, A., Milaire, A., Martin, PV. et al. Hindfoot blast injuries caused by improvised explosive devices: long-term functional assessment in French military personnel. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 45, 751–757 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04766-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04766-9