How do you describe a calcaneus fracture?
A calcaneal fracture is a break of the calcaneus (heel bone). Symptoms may include pain, bruising, trouble walking, and deformity of the heel. It may be associated with breaks of the hip or back. It usually occurs when a person lands on their feet following a fall from a height or during a motor vehicle collision.
What is the classification of calcaneal fracture?
Calcaneus Fractures
| Sanders classification | |
|---|---|
| Type I | Nondisplaced posterior facet (regardless of number of fracture lines) |
| Type III | Two fracture lines in the posterior facet (three fragments) |
| Type IV | Comminuted with more than three fracture lines in the posterior facet (four or more fragments) |
How do you treat a calcaneus fracture?
Calcaneal Fracture Treatment
- Non-weight bearing status for up to 10-12 weeks.
- Immobilization in a cast, fracture boot or splint for 8-10 weeks.
- Elevation of the foot. When resting, prop your foot up on stools or pillows to keep it above your heart.
- Icing.
- Compression.
- Pain medication.
- Physical therapy exercises.
Which radiographic line is used to evaluate a possible fracture of the calcaneus?
Bohler’s Angle: How to Determine Presence of a Calcaneus Fracture. Bohler’s angle (also sometimes referred to as the “Tuber Angle”) is formed by the intersection of lines 1 and line 2 on the lateral ankle radiograph.
How do you diagnose a broken calcaneus?
A physical examination followed by X-rays and/or CT scans are generally used to diagnosis calcaeneal fractures. Such diagnostic studies also help determine the extent of the fractures. An MRI can be used to distinguish a calcaneal fracture from plantar fascitis.
What are the two most common types of calcaneal fractures?
Calcaneal fractures have characteristic appearances based on the mechanism of injury and are divided into two major groups, intraarticular and extraarticular. Most calcaneal fractures (70%–75%) are intraarticular and result from axial loading that produces shear and compression fracture lines.
What is calcaneal process?
The posterior surface of cuboid is smooth, triangular, and concavo-convex, for articulation with the anterior surface of the calcaneus; its infero-medial angle projects backward as a process, the calcaneal process, which underlies and supports the anterior end of the calcaneus.
Can a calcaneus fracture heal without surgery?
While most calcaneus fractures can heal without surgery, sometimes they do not heal, or they might heal in a position that causes discomfort or trouble with walking or wearing shoes. Surgery to get the bone to heal or to line up the broken pieces becomes more difficult the longer surgery is delayed.
What does a broken calcaneus feel like?
Symptoms. Some calcaneal fractures are obvious, resulting in an inability to put weight on the heel, swelling of the heel and bruising of the heel and ankle. Pain is usually severe enough to require an emergency room visit.
What is Lover’s fracture?
Lover’s fracture, also known as Don Juan fracture or Casanova fracture is a type of calcaneal fracture. They are fractures of the calcaneal body and may be intra- or extra-articular.
What imaging modality would be best for surgical planning on a suspected intra articular calcaneal fracture?
The Sanders classification system is the most used system for classifying intra-articular calcaneal fractures. This classification system uses computed tomography (CT) because of its three-dimensional approach is critical to classify this type of fractures (1, 2, 11, 31, 51).
How should we treat calcaneal fractures?
Some calcaneal fractures can be treated by manipulating the foot while a patient is under anesthesia, but not involving surgery. This procedure is called closed reduction. If such a procedure does not treat the fracture or if the fracture is more extensive, then surgery may be required (called an open reduction).
Can a calcaneal fracture heal itself?
There is also a very high percentage chance of long-term subtalar joint arthritis that can result as a result of a calcaneal stress fracture with displacement. The stress fracture will eventually heal on its own if you keep weight off it, but you can do these things to make it heal faster and prevent one from even coming back.
What is a nondisplaced calcaneus fracture?
A stress fracture is a nondisplaced defect in a bone that occurs due to repetitive load or trauma. A calcaneal stress fracture is most often the result of a sudden, abrupt injury but can occur without a history of trauma. The diagnosis of calcaneal stress fractures can be difficult at times.
Is a calcaneus fracture a disability?
Calcaneal fractures can be difficult to treat and have a history unpredictable outcomes. Fractures of the calcaneus often result in collapse of the normal height of the heel bone. Disability associated with calcaneal fractures is significant, often resulting in permanent disability.