[Outcome after surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures]

After controversial discussions in the literature about therapy regimens for calcaneal fractures, a retrospective study of patients operatively treated in a maximum care trauma center was conducted.

Investigation of the influencing factors on the treatment quality of operatively treated patients with calcaneal fractures.

Between 2005 and 2013 a total of 90 patients with calcaneal fractures were surgically treated in this hospital with locking plate osteosynthesis. A total of 48 patients with 55 fractures were retrospectively investigated. The assessment with respect to posttraumatic arthrosis was made radiologically and Böhler's and Gissane's angles were also determined. Clinically AOFAS and SF-36 scores were documented. The results were statistically tested with respect to possible risk factors.

A total of 9 patients (18.8%) were found with complications necessitating operative revision, with 8 patients requiring subtalar arthrodesis and 1 patient with a deep wound infection. Nicotine abuse and a long interval between trauma and reconstructive surgery were identified as factors that influenced the development of wound healing problems. The average AOFAS score was 68 points and the SF-36 was 58.86 points. A poor result in the scores was caused by the development of symptomatic arthritis and the type of insurance. In this cohort factors, such as age and complexity of fractures were not correlated with a poor result.

In this patient collective nicotine abuse and a long interval between trauma and surgery were risk factors for development of wound infections. Other factors with an influence on the outcome were the postoperative development of arthritis and the type of health insurance; however, patient age had no impact on the outcome.