Calcaneus Fractures

Fractures of the heel bone are referred to as calcaneus fractures. These usually occur secondary to a fall from a height, but this is variable and can be as small as 3-4 feet.  Some of these fractures can be treated effectively with cast immobilization; however, in the vast majority of cases I recommend operative repair to realign the hind foot and allow for more comfortable shoe wear in the future.  The key to obtaining a good outcome is to avoid post surgical wound complications and an accurate repair and reconstruction of the calcaneus. Most surgeons will wait 10-14 days before proceeding with surgery to allow the soft tissues around the foot to “cool off”. Surgery is usually performed as an overnight stay with patients going home the next day and involves a 1-2 hour procedure to re-align and fix the calcaneus.  I keep patients in a soft cast for the first 2 weeks and then a removable cast for another 8 weeks.  At 8 weeks after surgery I allow patients to begin weight bearing as tolerated.  Total healing time can take a year.