What are the complications of a broken foot?

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What are the complications of a broken foot?

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As with any injury, complications may occur.

Broken bones may fail to heal, causing a non-union that may require surgery to repair.
If the fracture line enters a joint surface, arthritis may develop, even if the joint surface has been aligned by surgery.
Open fractures may be complicated by infection and damage to underlying structures like tendons, arteries, and nerves.
Though it is uncommon, crush injuries to the foot may cause significant swelling in the tight spaces of the foot, leading to compartment syndrome. Pressure in the foot rises above the patient's blood pressure, restricting blood supply to the foot. This is a surgical emergency and fasciotomies, incisions into the foot, are performed to allow space for the swelling to occur.

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