Calcaneus Fracture: Treatments & Recovery Timelines

The calcaneus, or heel bone, is the largest of the seven tarsal bones in the foot. It is located at the back of foot below the ankle.

What Is A Calcaneus Fracture?

A Calcaneus fracture is when a break in the heel bone occurs. They are a devastating injury that tends to affect young and healthy individuals. This injury is one that is limb threatening and lifestyle altering

The calcaneus can be thought of as an eggshell that shatters when subjected to significant force. These fractures tend to occur with falls from a significant height or motor vehicle accidents. An X-ray of a calcaneus fracture can reveal the extent of the damage and help guide treatment options.

Risks and Complications

One of the complications with these fractures is that the entire dorsal, or top surface of the bone, has a complex and undulating articulating joint surface that allows the foot and ankle to go side to side and accommodate for uneven terrain. If this joint surface is disrupted, the risk is that there will be limitations in motion, which will affect function. Additionally, if the joint is more than 1 or 2 millimeters out of position substantial posttraumatic arthritis can develop which will lead to lifelong pain and loss of function.

The articular surface of the calcaneus is divided into 3 facets that articulate with the talus. It is well known that any fracture through an articular surface can lead to fissuring of the articular cartilage/joint surface and cause a release of toxic enzymes that will kill healthy joint cells. This will lead to the development of arthritis and pain.

Calcaneal fractures are classified according to the Sanders classification 1-4 with 4 being the most severe. Some scientific articles have gone so far as to call for primary joint fusion for a type four fracture due to the dismal outcomes with open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture. Some studies have also called for benign neglect of these fractures due to poor outcomes in certain patient populations.

Traditionally calcaneus fractures were treated in an open fashion with large incisions, frequent wound healing, and infectious complications. Recently, minimally invasive techniques have emerged that seem to decrease wound healing and infections but are much more challenging to obtain an accurate reduction of the fracture.

Calcaneus fracture repair involves advanced orthopedic techniques to treat fractures of the heel bone, ensuring patients receive the highest level of care for optimal recovery. If you believe you may have a calcaneus fracture or have been suffering from any kind of foot and ankle pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors at one of our six orthopedic clinics throughout NJ.

Book an appointment with orthopedic Foot & Ankle surgeon Dr. Aron Green today.