Advances in the treatment of calcaneus fracture

Abstract

The calcaneus is the largest of the tarsal bones and the most commonly fractured, being involved in more than half of all major tarsal injuries. Intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus are seriously disabling and of significant economic consequences. Ninety percent of these injuries occur in working age men, most commonly industrial workers. Many of these workers will never return to their jobs, and of those who do, 20% will be out for up to 3 years. The optimal treatment for intra-articular fractures is controversial. However, in the past few years, progress has been made in understanding the nature of calcaneus fracture. The availability of computed tomographic scanning and improved surgical techniques has improved the outlook for many of these patients to return to productive activity.