Ergebnisse nach Osteosynthese intraartikulärer Kalkaneusfrakturen mit der „Low contact” Platte

: Calcaneus fractures are a major cause of accident- related invalidity. Long-term results are unsatisfactory with various therapy concepts as reported in the literature. Objective of this study is the long-term clinical and radiological outcome of a patient group treated with a low contact plate. Subjective assessment of function by the patient was an important evaluation criterion. From 01/92 to 12/98 a total of 182 patients with 209 calcaneus fractures were treated. Out of them 95 patients with 109 calcaneus fractures had a follow-up over a period ranging from 6 to 88 months (average 37.9 months). Severe impairment of walking was reported by 34.7 % of the patients. Severe impairment for work was declared by 68.4 % of the patients. 74.7 % of the patients complained middle or severe burden-pain. 64.3 % of the patients felt their quality of life impaired. After the injury 75.8 % of the patients were still employed. Arthrosis of the inferior ankle joint was found in 91.5 % of the cases. Within this collective three patient groups were formed with different follow-up periods to evaluate the temporal course, showing no significant differences. Frequently good functional and subjective results cannot be expected even with standardized operative procedures.