Blasius et al reported a model for predicting prolonged length of stay following surgery to repair an isolate calcaneal fracture. This can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from University Hospital RWTH Aachen and Lucerne Cantonal Hospital.
Patient selection: isolated calcaneal fracture
Parameters:
(1) Bohler's angle
(2) time to surgery in days
(3) minimally invasive surgery
(4) impaired wound healing
In Table 2, a model is presented with the constant having a regression coefficient of 17.260. The model as shown does not give believable values. It may be that the natural logarithm of 17.26 needs to be used.
Risk factors for prolonged length of stay:
(1) impaired wound healing
(2) increased time to surgery
Impairment of wound healing was determined at 14 days of surgery so not a prospective variable.
Factors associated with reduced length of stay:
(1) minmally invasive surgery
(2) higher Bohler's angle
