Fractures of the Calcaneus (Heel)

Patient Information

‍

Fractures of the calcaneus bone (heel bone).

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

‍

‍

‍