FRACTURES OF THE CALCANEUS

The heel bone, calcaneus, is very hard to fracture. Most fractures of the calcaneus occur after motor vehicle accidents or falls from heights.    

The calcaneus and talus bones for a joint called the subtalar joint.  This joint is below the ankle joint and is responsible for inversion/eversion of the foot.   

The calcaneus also creates a joint with the cuboid, a bone on the outside of the foot.

TREATMENT

Most calcaneus fractures can cause pain, stiffness, chronic arthritis of the subtalar joint and foot impairment if not treated.  Therefore, most calcaneus fractures require surgery to decrease these problems.  

To find out more information on Fractures of the Calcaneus from the Orthopaedic connection website of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.