injuries poisoning
Calcaneal Fractures
Key Points
If calcaneal fractures are not diagnosed and treated promptly, they can result in long-term disability. Because these fractures usually result from a high-energy axial load to the foot, other injuries (eg, thoracolumbar compression fracture) are often also present; other complications include compartment syndrome (in up to 10%). Diagnose based on x-rays and, if needed, CT. Whether intra-articular calcaneal fractures should be treated surgically or nonsurgically is controversial. When diagnosing a calcaneal fracture, always check for a thoracolumbar fracture. Treat extra-articular calcaneal fractures symptomatically with PRICE, followed by casting. 