Patient Information
Fractures of the Calcaneus (Heel)
Physiopathology:
The calcaneus connects with the talus and cuboid bones
Calcaneus is the heel bone, major weight-body support
Calcaneus is involved into subtalar joint (calcaneus/talus) and calcaneo-cuboid joint
When calcaneus fracture involves joints (intra-articular fracture), it is a more severe case because it involves cartilage damage, factor risk of future osteoarthritis
When calcaneus is broken, the bone tends to collapse. It occurs in most of cases during severe traumas like falling from a height or during automobile accidents but every kind of injury can be concerned
Sometimes, it can be stress fractures, caused by overuse on the heel bone
Clinics
TRAUMATIC FRACTURES
• Acute heel’s pain with inability to bear weight
• Swelling
• Bruising/ hematoma
STRESS FRACTURES
• Heal pain with progressive worsening
• Heel’s swelling
X-rays and other imaging tests like CT are commonly required to provide adequate therapeutic advise
Conservative measures
Rest
Ice, without direct contact with skin
Compression with an elastic device
Elevation with the heart level
Immobilization: cast / walking boot/ crutches in case of “without weightbearing” advice
Surgical treatment for some traumatic calcaneus fractures
Bone architecture & Joint reconstruction: osteosynthesis using plates and screws
Joint fusion is indicated for the more severe cases.
The surgeon will choose with you the best approach
Physiotherapy & Prognosis
Recovery (strentght, function) depends on fracture’s severity
It may be the beginning of chronic problems because of fracture’s severity: pain, arthritis, stiffness are frequent complications
Ability to walk may be compromised with a limp in case of loss of calcaneus’s height
In some cases, an orthotic device will be advised: custom insoles with medial arch surelvation and height’s loss compensation
Surgical treatment to make a joint fusion may be case advised in case of chronic painful osteoarthritis
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Patient Information: Fractures of the Calcaneus (Heel)
