Motorcycle spoke injuries of the heel

Abstract

Introduction: The spoke injuries of the lower extremity seems never stop haunting the surgeons since its first report 62 years ago. A prospective study of motorcycle spoke injuries in the heel was undertaken to study the injury mechanism, the treatment protocols, and the outcomes.

Patients and methods: From 2001 to 2010, 89 cases of motorcycle spoke injuries of the heel were examined. The various injury mechanisms were analysed. Flaps and other reconstruction surgeries were used to manage the involved extremity.

Results: The mechanisms of the motorcycle spoke injuries of the heel had some unique features. A grading system was developed for the injuries according to the tissues involved. The surgery protocols primarily consisted of flap transfers, Achilles tendon reconstruction, and calcaneus management.

Conclusions: The eradication of the motorcycle spoke injuries is a difficult task, but the treatment outcomes have been greatly improved due to the advancement of surgical techniques.