Fracture of calcaneus

Three percent of all cases of fractures of different bones of the skeleton is a fracture of the calcaneus. Three quarters are cases of intra-articular lesions.

The extraarticular fracture of the calcaneus does not affect the subtalar joint. Intraarticular injuries are classified according to the type and extent of abnormalities in the subtalar joint.

Fracture of the calcaneus occurs in cases of falling on the heels, while the talus bone splits the heel bone when it enters it.

In traumatological practice, several types of damage are distinguished. Fracture may be isolated or marginal, there is also a fracture of the calcaneus with or without bias. Depending on the height with which the patient fell, split fractured (multi-lobed) and simple injuries. Depending on the position of the foot in the impact, the characteristics of the fracture line, as well as the displacement of the bone fragments, are given. Compression causes compression damage. As a rule, falls cause a fracture of the calcaneus on both legs.

The characteristic signs of damage are severe pain. In this case, the heel area is enlarged and the arch of the foot is flattened. Isolated or marginal fractures are accompanied by less pronounced symptoms, so with such injuries a person is able to walk. The most severe are compression injuries. This squeezes the calcaneus bone between the traumatizing surface and the talus bone, which causes it to split. In this case, a flattening of the arch of the foot is observed, depending on the force of compression, its absence can also be observed.

Diagnosis of the fracture is carried out using an X-ray study.

Treatment of injuries in the heel area in the absence of bone displacements with complications is performed by applying gypsum from the place of injury to the knee. Depending on the extent and nature of the damage, the immobilization period may be from three to eight weeks.

With fragmentation displacement, manual operation (closed) is performed with the use of anesthesia. Surgical intervention in this case involves pressing the fragments and compressing the bone on the sides. This type of surgery is called repositioning. If this type of intervention is not possible, use an open intervention method with fixation using a screw.

Compression fractures undergo skeletal traction. Due to flattening, shortening and expansion of the foot, gypsum is superimposed with the function of composite modeling. The immobilization period lasts for one and a half months. After removing the gypsum for three or four months, unloading of the foot (the use of crutches) can be prescribed. After that, prescribe treatment procedures and recommend the use of orthopedic shoes.

Fracture of calcaneus. Rehabilitation.

The duration of the recovery period, mainly depends on the type of damage.

In some cases, the rehabilitation course begins already after a few weeks after the injury. In some cases, the recovery period can begin only after three or more months.

The rehabilitation course involves a number of activities. In particular, experts recommend starting to implement foot movements from the moment it ceases to cause sharp pain. After some time, a visit to the physiotherapist is scheduled. The specialist performs strict control over physical activity to avoid repeated damage.

After damage to the mild nature of the unbiased type, the patient usually returns to the usual rhythm of life in three or four months. If the fractures are strong, the recovery period can last one or two years.