BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to quantify the incidence of postoperative wound complications in elective foot and ankle surgery as well as the risk factors for postoperative wound complications.

METHODS:

Two hundred ninety-five elective orthopaedic foot and ankle operative procedures were performed in 290 patients between January 2006 and June 2010. A logistic multiple regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for postoperative wound healing complications/infection.

RESULTS:

The overall prevalence of postoperative wound complications within our cohort was 16.9%. In 4 patients (1.4%) deep infection was diagnosed requiring operative irrigation and debridement. Using a logistic multiple regression model we identified the following statistically independent risk factors: age ≥ 60 years (OR = 8.98, 95% CI = 3.55 to 25.02), tobacco use (OR = 48.77, 95% CI = 15.55 to 139.71), and tourniquet time ≥ 90 minutes (OR = 7.02, 95% CI = 2.77 to 19.32).

CONCLUSION:

Patients at risk for postoperative wound healing complications following elective orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery include those with higher age, tobacco use, and prolonged use of tourniquet.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Prognostic Level III, comparative study.