ABSTRACT
Fractures of the calcaneum have a reported yearly incidence of around 12 per 100,000 population, with fractures occurring 2–3 times more often in males and at a younger average age compared to their female counterparts. Tuberosity fractures account for 1-2% of all calcaneal fractures and represent a type of avulsion fracture that defunctions all or part of the Achilles tendon. Patients with calcaneal fractures will present with pain and swelling around the hindfoot with difficulty or complete inability to bear weight through the affected limb. MRI is rarely required in the acute setting of calcaneal fractures as most injuries will be found with the other imaging modalities. The initial management of calcaneal fractures should focus on the assessment and protection of the overlying soft tissues. In 2014, the UK Heel Fracture Trial reported similar 2-year results in calcaneal fractures treated with either operative or non-operative management. Calcaneal fractures may result in post-traumatic arthritis of the subtalar or calcaneocuboid joints.
