Physiological Gait Pattern after Calcaneal Fractures

• Functional post-operative or primary conservative treatment of calcaneal fractures, regardless of the type
• Reduces the recovery and lost work time
• Promotes early functional mobility
• Maintains physiological rollover

• Prevents additional muscle atrophy

The Heel Relief Orthosis 28F10 was designed by Dr. med. Settner and CPO Münch for the early functional treatment of calcaneal fractures. This orthosis eliminates pressure of the heal through targeted support of the longitudinal arch in the centre foot area and support in the calf area, allowing the heal to float in the orthosis.

Functioning Muscle Pump as Thrombosis Prophylaxis

Patients continue moving in a physiological gait pattern including rollover. Even in cases of bilateral calcaneal fractures, a nearly normal gait is possible in the early post-traumatic or post-operative stage. Thereby the neuromuscular structures and the calcareous salt content of the bone are influenced positively and immobilization damage is prevented. The functioning muscle pump acts as a thrombosis prophylaxis.

Additional pads used to increase pressure in a controlled manner speed up the healing process by gradually building up the pressure that acts on the heel during walking.  No static compensation on the contra-lateral side is required. The therapy plan that is provided, from full weight-bearing without crutches between day eight and day twelve to the end of medical treatment in week twelve, is independent of the fracture type and treatment concept. Concurrent physical therapy is not required. For additional information regarding the therapy plan, please see the following PDF file (link 646A219=D).

Half the Treatment Time and Costs

A study conducted by the Bau-Berufsgenossenschaft Wuppertal that compared the Allgöwer treatment with the heel relief orthosis showed marked advantages for the use of the heel relief orthosis. The stationary treatment time and the total treatment costs were cut in half. There was also a reduction in the payouts of the Bau-Berufsgenossenschaft in Germany (the MDE is normally reduced by 10 percent one year after the accident).

Proof of Functionality

The question of heel stress in the orthosis has been verified by pressure relief tests with cadaver feet. A specially manufactured orthosis was equipped with 16 electrodes and used to measure the pressure during various step cycles. The increase in pressure was documented in this way. The pressure was continuously increased by inserting pressure increase pads. The third pad resulted in a surface pressure of approximately 45 kilograms on 25 square centimetres. At an average body weight of 83 kilograms, an average stress of 39 kilograms acted on the heel relief orthosis. This resulted without any material pressure being measured at the fracture location below the heel. For more information, see the following PDF file. (link 646d145_d_)

Indications

• Unilateral and bilateral calcaneal fractures, independent of the fracture type and primary treatment
• Can also be used with non-optimal implants
• Setting for surgical fusion of a joint with the goal of pain relief
  

Contra-indications

• Treatment of a calcaneal fracture with an external fixture