Does a calcaneus fracture require surgery?

Does a calcaneus fracture require surgery?

Some, but not all, calcaneus fractures require surgery. The broken bone will take 3-4 months to heal with or without surgery. If surgery is not needed, there will still be a time where movement and weight bearing is limited.

How do you treat a calcaneus fracture?

Calcaneal Fracture Treatment

1. Non-weight bearing status for up to 10-12 weeks.
2. Immobilization in a cast, fracture boot or splint for 8-10 weeks.
3. Elevation of the foot. When resting, prop your foot up on stools or pillows to keep it above your heart.
4. Icing.
5. Compression.
6. Pain medication.
7. Physical therapy exercises.

What is a non operative fracture?

Non-operative fracture care can be very useful if your injury doesn’t need surgical treatment. Injuries such as fractures and dislocations to the scapula, humerus, wrist, clavicle, hand and foot can be treated non-surgically by using casts, splints and a brace.

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.

Can a calcaneus fracture heal on its own?

“A heel fracture will heal on its own,” admits Dr. Anderson. “However, without medical treatment, the concern is whether these fractures will heal in the best position to minimize a potentially poor outcome. At worst, a heel fracture mends improperly.

How serious is a calcaneal fracture?

A fracture of the calcaneus, or heel bone, can be a painful and disabling injury. This type of fracture commonly occurs during a high-energy event — such as a car crash or a fall from a ladder — when the heel is crushed under the weight of the body. When this occurs, the heel can widen, shorten, and become deformed.

Can fracture be treated without surgery?

Not all fractures requires surgery. In fact, whenever possible, non-surgical treatment is preferrable. Orthopaedic Trauma & Fracture Care specialists will make this decision based on the extent of the injury, the patient’s overall health, and how well the fracture can be expected to heal without surgery.

What are the classification of fracture?

There are many types of fractures, but the main categories are displaced, non-displaced, open, and closed. Displaced and non-displaced fractures refer to the alignment of the fractured bone. In a displaced fracture, the bone snaps into two or more parts and moves so that the two ends are not lined up straight.

Is a calcaneus fracture serious?

Calcaneal fractures can be serious injuries that may produce lifelong problems. Arthritis, stiffness and pain in the joint frequently develop. Sometimes the fractured bone fails to heal in the proper position.

Can you walk with a calcaneus fracture?

With some minor calcaneus fractures, the pain may not be enough to prevent you from walking — but you may limp. This is because your Achilles tendon acts through the calcaneus to support your body weight.

How long does it take to walk after a calcaneal fracture?

Some patients can begin weight-bearing activities a few weeks after injury or surgery; most will need to wait 3 months before putting weight on the heel. Some patients are able to begin partial weightbearing 6 to 10 weeks after injury or surgery.

Can a nondisplaced fracture heal without surgery?

The soft tissues will likely have been damaged by the fractured bone. However, for bone fractures that are classified as stress fractures, transverse, and oblique (nondisplaced), where the bone pieces are pretty much kept together, the bones can repair itself without surgical intervention.

What are the treatment options for calcaneus fracture?

The late surgical treatment usually consists of ostectomy or decompression and debridement or arthrodesis or in the worst case scenario, amputation. Nonsurgical treatment for delayed problems after calcaneus fractures usually consists of using a molded arch support or total contact orthoses.

What is a calcaneus fracture?

Calcaneus fractures are rare but potentially debilitating injuries. The calcaneus is one of seven tarsal bones and is part of the hind-foot which includes the calcaneus and the talus. The hindfoot articulates with the tibia and fibula creating the ankle joint.

What is the surgical approach for closed calcaneal fractures?

Some authors have adopted a two-stage surgical approach for severely displaced closed calcaneal fractures to try to mitigate the issue of soft tissue compromise.   The calcaneus assumes a shortened and widened position with heel varus as a result of the fracture displacement and loss of Bohler’s angle.

What causes delayed problems after calcaneus fracture?

Delayed problems after calcaneus fracture can result from inadequate or inappropriate initial treatment. There may be problems after certain calcaneus fractures, however, regardless of the initial treatment, even if it is the most optimal.