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From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Fractures of the Calcaneus
The calcaneus is the irregularly shaped quadrangular bone located at the back of the foot. Calcaneal fractures are the most common tarsal fractures and represent 2% of all fractures. The proximate cause of a calcaneal fracture is a damaging blow to the foot. This article discusses displaced intra- and extra-articular fractures of the tuberosity and body, and fractures of the anterior process of the calcaneus. Treatment of calcaneal fractures is difficult and complex, and a number of options exist.
This article reviews the clinical presentation of calcaneal fractures and outlines contraindications and indications for various surgical techniques. The technique of open reduction and internal fixation if reviewed in detail.
Keywords: os calcis fracture, calcaneal fracture, broken heel, heel fracture, joint-depression calcaneus fracture, tongue-type calcaneus fracture, incidence, etiology, mechanism of injury, classification, Essex-Lopresti classification, Hannover classification, Sanders classification, OTA classification, diagnosis, patient history, physical examination, imaging, radiography, management, splinting, soft-tissue care, open fractures, surgical treatment, surgical techniques, open reduction, internal fixation, postoperative care, rehabilitation