Permissive Weight Bearing in Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures

Inclusion Criteria: * Surgically treated trauma patients with isolated unilateral DIACFs, less than 6 weeks after trauma, Sanders type II-IV (14) * Age between 18 and 67 years old (labor force) * Being able to understand the questionnaires and measurement instructions * Indication for open/closed reduction and internal fixation * Written Informed Consent Exclusion Criteria: * Acute or existing amputation (upper limb, lower limb, feet) * Open calcaneal fractures (excluding medial wound without compromising surgical approach) * Bilateral fractures of the lower extremities * Unable to comply to the PWB protocol due to pre-existing conditions of the arms and legs (e.g. unable to use crotches due to hemiparalysis) * Severe non-fracture related comorbidity of the lower extremity * Pre-existent immobility (loss of muscle function of one or both legs) * Dependent in activities of daily living (e.g. due to dementia, Alzheimer, New York Heart Association class IV angina, heart failure or oxygen-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) * Rheumatoid arthritis of the lower extremities * Severe psychiatric comorbidities that lead to inability to comply with the treatment protocol * Pathologic fractures (metastasis, secondary osteoporosis) * Peripheral neuropathy and/or diabetes * Alcohol- or drug abuse preventing adequate follow-up * Primary indication for arthrodesis subtalar joint * Two or more fractures of the upper and/or lower extremities