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Book

Calcaneus Fractures

In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Calcaneus Fractures

David Davis et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

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. The subtalar or calcaneotalar joint accounts for at least some foot and ankle dorsal/plantar flexion. Calcaneal anatomy is demonstrated in Figure 1. Historically a burst fracture of the calcaneus was coined a "Lovers Fracture" as the injury would occur as a suitor would jump off a lover's balcony to avoid detection.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: David Davis declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Travis Seaman declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Edward Newton declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

    1. Adams MR, Koury KL, Mistry JB, Braaksma W, Hwang JS, Firoozabadi R. Plantar Medial Avulsion Fragment Associated With Tongue-Type Calcaneus Fractures. Foot Ankle Int. 2019 Jun;40(6):634-640. - PubMed
    1. Bibbo C, Siddiqui N, Fink J, Powers J, Ehrlich DA, Kovach SJ. Wound Coverage Options for Soft Tissue Defects Following Calcaneal Fracture Management (Operative/Surgical). Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2019 Apr;36(2):323-337. - PubMed
    1. Cottom JM, Douthett SM, McConnell KK. Intraoperative Reduction Techniques for Surgical Management of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2019 Apr;36(2):269-277. - PubMed
    1. Hordyk PJ, Fuerbringer BA, Roukis TS. Clinical Management of Acute, Closed Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2019 Apr;36(2):163-171. - PubMed
    1. Schepers T. Sinus Tarsi Approach with Screws-Only Fixation for Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2019 Apr;36(2):211-224. - PubMed

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