The Use of Cryopreserved Umbilical Cord in Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Calcaneus Fractures.

Calcaneal fractures are caused by a sudden, high-velocity impact on the heel [1]. The complication rate after open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneal fractures operated on by a lateral extensile approach range from 10 to 20%. Some of the worst perioperative complications associated with calcaneal fractures are tissue or bone infection, and/or wound complications. A retrospective review of 39 consecutive patients treated for calcaneus fracture by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via a lateral extensile approach, was performed on 19 consecutive patients with 20 calcaneus fractures were treated with application of Clarix® cryopreserved umbilical cord (CUC) compared to a control group of 20 consecutive patients. The overall complication rate in the control group was 35%, compared to the cUC group of 10% (p=0.13). Additionally, the readmission rate and re-operation rate in the cUC group was lower than the control group (10% vs 30%, respectively; p=0.24). The use of cUC directly on the bone and hardware at the time of open reduction and internal fixation can be used as an adjunct to decrease wound complications, re-operations, and infection rates.