Three percent of all cases of fractures of different bones of the skeleton are calcaneus fractures. Three quarters of this are cases of intraarticular damage.
An extra-articular fracture of the calcaneus does not affect the subtalar joint. Intra-articular lesions are classified according to the type and extent of disorders in the subtalar joint.
A calcaneus fracture occurs in cases of falling on the heels, while the talus splits the calcaneus when it enters.
In traumatological practice, several types of damage are distinguished. A fracture can be isolated or marginal; there is also a calcaneus fracture with or without displacement. Depending on the height from which the patient fell, fragmented (multi-fragmented) and simple injuries are divided. Depending on the position of the foot during impact, a characteristic of the fracture line, as well as the displacement of bone fragments, is given. Pressures cause compression damage. As a rule, falls cause a calcaneus fracture on both legs.
The characteristic signs of damage is severe pain. In this case, there is an expansion of the heel region and flattening of the arch of the foot. Isolated or marginal fractures are accompanied by less pronounced symptoms, therefore, with such damage, a person is able to walk. The most severe are compression injuries. In this case, the calcaneus is squeezed between the traumatic surface and the talus, which causes its split. In this case, flattening of the arch of the foot is observed, depending on the force of compression, its absence can also be observed.
Diagnosis of a fracture is carried out using an X-ray examination.
Treatment of injuries in the calcaneal region in the absence of bone displacements with complications is performed by applying gypsum from the site of injury to the knee. Depending on the degree and nature of the damage, the immobilization period can be from three to eight weeks.
With shrapnel displacement, a manual operation (closed) with anesthesia is performed. Surgery in this case involves the pressing of fragments and compression of the bone on the sides. This type of surgery is called reposition. If this type of intervention is not possible, use an open method of intervention with fixation using a screw.
Compression fractures undergo skeletal traction. Due to flattening, shortening and widening of the foot, gypsum is superimposed with the function of consolidated modeling. A month and a half continues the immobilization period. After removing the cast for three or four months, unloading of the foot (use of crutches) can be prescribed. After this, medical procedures are prescribed and the use of orthopedic shoes is recommended.
Calcaneus fracture. Rehabilitation.
The duration of the recovery period mainly depends on the type of damage.
In some cases, the rehabilitation course begins after a few weeks after the occurrence of the injury. In some cases, the recovery period can begin only after three or more months.
The recovery course involves a series of activities. In particular, experts recommend starting to exercise foot movements from the moment it ceases to cause sharp pain. After some time, a visit to a physiotherapist is prescribed. The specialist makes strict control over physical activity in order to avoid repeated injuries.
After damage to the mild nature of the unbiased type, the patient, as a rule, returns to the usual rhythm of life after three or four months. If the fractures are severe, the recovery period may last one or two years.