A meta-analysis of Allgöwer-Donati versus interrupted vertical mattress suturing in preventing postoperative incisional complications of calcaneal fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Hua-Xin Lai
, Li-Ping Peng, Lian-Hua Wu, Wei Ye
Department of Orthopaedics I, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Sanming Hospital of Integrated Medicine, Sanming City, China
Keywords: Allgöwer-Donati suture, calcaneal fracture, postoperative complications, suturing technique, vertical mattress suture, wound healing.
Abstract
Objectives: In this meta-analysis, we systematically compared the efficacy of the Allgöwer-Donati suture technique versus the interrupted vertical mattress suture technique in preventing postoperative incision complications following calcaneal fracture surgery.
Materials and methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted from their inceptions up to May 2025. This study included randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults (18-80 years) with closed calcaneal fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via a lateral incision. The primary outcomes were surgical suture time, wound suture time, drainage tube removal time, and the incidence of postoperative complications. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using fixed-effect or random-effects models based on heterogeneity (I2 statistic).
Results: Eight RCTs comprising 640 patients were included. The Allgöwer-Donati technique significantly reduced surgical suture time (SMD = 0.81, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.39, p = 0.007; I2 = 47%), drainage tube removal time (SMD = 4.94, 95% CI 4.42-5.47, p < 0.00001; I2 = 65%), and wound suture time (SMD = –3.36, 95% CI –3.90 to –2.81, p < 0.00001; I2 = 34%) compared to the interrupted vertical mattress technique. However, there was no significant difference in the overall rate of postoperative complications between the two techniques (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 0.95-1.82, p = 0.10; I2 = 0%).
Conclusion: The Allgöwer-Donati suture technique offers significant advantages in operative efficiency by reducing suture times and drainage duration without increasing the risk of postoperative complications compared to the interrupted vertical mattress technique. It represents a promising suturing option for calcaneal fracture surgery, particularly in settings valuing procedural efficiency.
Citation: Lai HX, Peng LP, Wu LH, Ye W. A meta-analysis of Allgöwer-Donati versus interrupted vertical mattress suturing in preventing postoperative incisional complications of calcaneal fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Jt Dis Relat Surg 2026;37(2):390-401. doi: 10.52312/jdrs.2026.2500.