Calcaneal fracture: Difference between revisions

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'''Calcaneal Fracture'''
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
A '''calcaneal fracture''' is a break of the [[calcaneus]] (heel bone). It is commonly caused by a high-energy event such as a car accident or a fall from height.  
| name            = Calcaneal fracture
 
| image          = [[File:CalFrac.png|left|thumb|Calcaneal fracture]]
==Symptoms==
| caption        = X-ray of a calcaneal fracture
 
| field          = [[Orthopedic surgery]]
Symptoms of a calcaneal fracture can include pain, bruising, swelling, inability to walk or bear weight on the foot, and deformity of the heel.
| synonyms        = Heel bone fracture
 
| symptoms        = [[Heel pain]], [[swelling]], [[bruising]], inability to bear weight
==Causes==
| complications  = [[Arthritis]], [[chronic pain]], [[deformity]]
 
| onset          = Sudden, due to trauma
The most common cause of a calcaneal fracture is a fall from a height, such as from a ladder or roof. Other causes can include motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries.  
| duration        = Varies, often weeks to months
 
| causes          = [[Trauma]], such as a fall from height or motor vehicle accident
==Diagnosis==
| risks          = [[Osteoporosis]], high-impact activities
 
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[X-ray]], [[CT scan]]
Diagnosis of a calcaneal fracture is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. These can include [[X-ray]]s, [[Computed tomography|CT scans]], and [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]].
| differential    = [[Ankle fracture]], [[Plantar fasciitis]], [[Achilles tendon rupture]]
 
| prevention      = Use of protective footwear, avoiding high-risk activities
==Treatment==
| treatment      = [[Rest]], [[ice]], [[compression]], [[elevation]], [[surgery]]
 
| medication      = [[Pain management]] with [[NSAIDs]] or [[opioids]]
Treatment for a calcaneal fracture can vary depending on the severity of the fracture. Non-surgical treatment options can include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), pain medication, and physical therapy. Surgical treatment options can include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), in which the bone is repositioned and secured with screws or plates.
| prognosis      = Varies, depends on severity and treatment
 
| frequency      = Common in high-impact trauma cases
==Prognosis==
}}
 
== Calcaneal Fracture ==
The prognosis for a calcaneal fracture can vary widely depending on the severity of the fracture and the patient's overall health. Some patients may recover fully with no lasting effects, while others may experience long-term pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
A '''calcaneal fracture''' is a break in the [[calcaneus]], also known as the heel bone. This type of fracture is often caused by high-energy trauma such as a fall from a height or a motor vehicle accident. Calcaneal fractures can be quite debilitating due to the critical role the calcaneus plays in weight-bearing and walking.
 
[[File:CalFrac.png|Calcaneal fracture|left|thumb]]
==See Also==
== Anatomy ==
 
The [[calcaneus]] is the largest of the [[tarsal bones]] in the foot and forms the heel. It is crucial for normal foot function, providing support and stability. The calcaneus articulates with the [[talus]] above and the [[cuboid bone]] in front, forming part of the [[subtalar joint]] and the [[calcaneocuboid joint]].
== Types of Calcaneal Fractures ==
Calcaneal fractures can be classified into two main types:
* '''Intra-articular fractures''': These involve the [[subtalar joint]] and are more common, accounting for about 75% of all calcaneal fractures. They are often more severe and can lead to long-term complications such as [[arthritis]].
* '''Extra-articular fractures''': These do not involve the subtalar joint and are less common. They may occur in the [[calcaneal tuberosity]], the [[sustentaculum tali]], or the anterior process of the calcaneus.
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of a calcaneal fracture typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging studies.  
[[File:CalcanealfractCT.png|CT scan of calcaneal fracture|left|thumb]]
=== Imaging ===
* '''X-rays''': Standard X-rays are used to assess the fracture and include lateral, axial, and oblique views.
* '''CT scans''': These provide a more detailed view of the fracture pattern and are particularly useful for intra-articular fractures.
[[File:Bohler's_angle_(raster).jpg|Böhler's angle measurement|left|thumb]]
=== Böhler's Angle ===
Böhler's angle is an important measurement used in the assessment of calcaneal fractures. It is formed by the intersection of two lines: one from the highest point of the anterior process to the highest point of the posterior articular facet, and the other from the highest point of the posterior articular facet to the highest point of the calcaneal tuberosity. A normal Böhler's angle ranges from 20 to 40 degrees. A decrease in this angle is indicative of a fracture.
[[File:Gissane.jpg|Gissane's angle|left|thumb]]
=== Gissane's Angle ===
Gissane's angle, also known as the "critical angle," is another important measurement. It is formed by the downward and upward slopes of the calcaneal superior surface. A normal Gissane's angle is between 120 and 145 degrees.
== Treatment ==
Treatment of calcaneal fractures depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Options include:
* '''Conservative treatment''': This may involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with immobilization in a cast or splint.
* '''Surgical treatment''': Surgery may be required for displaced intra-articular fractures. Techniques include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).
== Rehabilitation ==
Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery and involves physical therapy to restore range of motion, strength, and function. Weight-bearing is typically restricted until the fracture has healed sufficiently.
[[File:Calcaneal_fracture_neutral_lposition.jpg|Calcaneal fracture in neutral position|left|thumb]]
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for calcaneal fractures varies. Factors influencing recovery include the severity of the fracture, the quality of the reduction, and the presence of complications such as [[post-traumatic arthritis]].
== See also ==
* [[Fracture]]
* [[Fracture]]
* [[Bone fracture]]
* [[Subtalar joint]]
* [[Foot injuries]]
* [[Orthopedic surgery]]
* [[Orthopedic surgery]]
 
[[Category:Orthopedic injuries]]
==References==
[[Category:Foot and ankle]]
 
<references />
 
{{stub}}
 
[[Category:Orthopedic problems]]
[[Category:Injuries]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
== Calcaneal_fracture ==
<gallery>
File:CalFrac.png|Calcaneal fracture
File:CalcanealfractCT.png|CT scan of calcaneal fracture
File:Bohler's_angle_(raster).jpg|Böhler's angle measurement
File:Gissane.jpg|Gissane's angle
File:Calcaneal_fracture_neutral_lposition.jpg|Calcaneal fracture in neutral position
File:Leg_Stand.jpg|Leg stand position
</gallery>
== Calcaneal_fracture ==
<gallery>
File:CalcanealfractCT.png|CT scan showing a calcaneal fracture
File:Bohler's_angle_(raster).jpg|Diagram illustrating Böhler's angle
File:Gissane.jpg|Diagram illustrating Gissane's angle
File:Calcaneal_fracture_neutral_lposition.jpg|X-ray of a calcaneal fracture in neutral position
File:Leg_Stand.jpg|Leg in standing position
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 21:42, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Calcaneal fracture
Calcaneal fracture
Synonyms Heel bone fracture
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Heel pain, swelling, bruising, inability to bear weight
Complications Arthritis, chronic pain, deformity
Onset Sudden, due to trauma
Duration Varies, often weeks to months
Types N/A
Causes Trauma, such as a fall from height or motor vehicle accident
Risks Osteoporosis, high-impact activities
Diagnosis Physical examination, X-ray, CT scan
Differential diagnosis Ankle fracture, Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon rupture
Prevention Use of protective footwear, avoiding high-risk activities
Treatment Rest, ice, compression, elevation, surgery
Medication Pain management with NSAIDs or opioids
Prognosis Varies, depends on severity and treatment
Frequency Common in high-impact trauma cases
Deaths N/A


Calcaneal Fracture[edit]

A calcaneal fracture is a break in the calcaneus, also known as the heel bone. This type of fracture is often caused by high-energy trauma such as a fall from a height or a motor vehicle accident. Calcaneal fractures can be quite debilitating due to the critical role the calcaneus plays in weight-bearing and walking.

Calcaneal fracture

Anatomy[edit]

The calcaneus is the largest of the tarsal bones in the foot and forms the heel. It is crucial for normal foot function, providing support and stability. The calcaneus articulates with the talus above and the cuboid bone in front, forming part of the subtalar joint and the calcaneocuboid joint.

Types of Calcaneal Fractures[edit]

Calcaneal fractures can be classified into two main types:

  • Intra-articular fractures: These involve the subtalar joint and are more common, accounting for about 75% of all calcaneal fractures. They are often more severe and can lead to long-term complications such as arthritis.
  • Extra-articular fractures: These do not involve the subtalar joint and are less common. They may occur in the calcaneal tuberosity, the sustentaculum tali, or the anterior process of the calcaneus.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of a calcaneal fracture typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging studies.

CT scan of calcaneal fracture

Imaging[edit]

  • X-rays: Standard X-rays are used to assess the fracture and include lateral, axial, and oblique views.
  • CT scans: These provide a more detailed view of the fracture pattern and are particularly useful for intra-articular fractures.
Böhler's angle measurement

Böhler's Angle[edit]

Böhler's angle is an important measurement used in the assessment of calcaneal fractures. It is formed by the intersection of two lines: one from the highest point of the anterior process to the highest point of the posterior articular facet, and the other from the highest point of the posterior articular facet to the highest point of the calcaneal tuberosity. A normal Böhler's angle ranges from 20 to 40 degrees. A decrease in this angle is indicative of a fracture.

Gissane's angle

Gissane's Angle[edit]

Gissane's angle, also known as the "critical angle," is another important measurement. It is formed by the downward and upward slopes of the calcaneal superior surface. A normal Gissane's angle is between 120 and 145 degrees.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment of calcaneal fractures depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Options include:

  • Conservative treatment: This may involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with immobilization in a cast or splint.
  • Surgical treatment: Surgery may be required for displaced intra-articular fractures. Techniques include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

Rehabilitation[edit]

Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery and involves physical therapy to restore range of motion, strength, and function. Weight-bearing is typically restricted until the fracture has healed sufficiently.

Calcaneal fracture in neutral position

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for calcaneal fractures varies. Factors influencing recovery include the severity of the fracture, the quality of the reduction, and the presence of complications such as post-traumatic arthritis.

See also[edit]