LIFE SATISFACTION AFTER RECONSTRUCTION OF COMPLEX LOWER-LIMB INJURIES

58 patients following Gustilo IIIB open tibial fractures, treated by s erial debridements, osteosynthesis and microvascular free tissue trans fer were investigated after an average of 6 years. Assessment of life satisfaction was done by means of a proven valid and reliable test ins trument (FLZ - ''Fragen zur Lebenszufriedenheit''). Further specific q uestions on treatment satisfaction, aesthetic result, occupation and i ncome were added to this questionnaire. Significant discrepancies of t he items recreational activities, income, occupation and partnership, productivity, mobility and pain were evaluated in comparison to availa ble data of healthy west german population. The calculated global inde x of life satisfaction and health differed significantly from the esta blished index of west german population. Although specific aspects lik e aesthetic result, donor site morbidity, pain and even function were critically judged, 91 % of the patients were satisfied with the long t erm result of the treatment. None of the patients thought that an init ial amputation probably might have been a better solution. The postreh abilitation employment rate was 64 %. Limb salvage of Gustilo IIIB fra ctures by means of a multidisciplinary treatment protocol is able to a fford useful and satisfying long time results. However, an impairment of quality of life, at least in specific items has to be considered.