ABSTRACT
CONTENTS I. History............................................................................................................................. 94 II. Anatomy.......................................................................................................................... 94 III. Mechanism of Injury ....................................................................................................... 95 IV. Classification ................................................................................................................... 98 V. Initial Presentation ......................................................................................................... 101 VI. Initial Management ........................................................................................................ 101 VII. Radiographic Examination............................................................................................. 101 VIII. Definitive Management .................................................................................................. 104
A. Extra-Articular Fractures ....................................................................................... 104
B. Intra-Articular Fractures ........................................................................................ 106 IX. Surgical Approach.......................................................................................................... 108
A. Lateral Approach.................................................................................................... 108
B. Medial Approach .................................................................................................... 108 X. Preferred Method of Treatment...................................................................................... 108 XI. Postoperative Management ............................................................................................ 109 XII. Complications................................................................................................................. 109 XIII. Open Calcaneal Fractures .............................................................................................. 114 XIV. Salvage Procedures ......................................................................................................... 114 XV. Conclusions .................................................................................................................... 114 References .................................................................................................................................. 115
Fractures of the calcaneus (os calcis) are the most common of tarsal bone fractures, with an overall incidence of approximately 2%. Despite increased experience with these types of fractures, however, there is considerable debate regarding their treatment and overall management. Controversies remain regarding the most appropriate classification system, treatment options, indications for surgery, surgical approaches, and postoperative management. This chapter presents a rational approach on the treatment of calcaneus fractures, based on current and past literature as well as the authors’ preferred treatment.
