What is a fracture of the calcaneus?
Fractures of the heel bone or calcaneus can be very debilitating injuries. When the heel bone is injured, it is typically caused by tremendous forces which impact on the foot, for example associated with falls from a height, or in a motor vehicle accident. If the bones have shifted out of place (a displaced fracture), you will most likely need surgery. A variety of techniques and approaches have been used to treat these fractures and the choice of treatment depends on the malalignment of the broken pieces primarily, as well as risk factors such as smoking or diabetes. Screws and possible a metal plate may be used to hold the bones in place. A bone graft may be used to aid in the healing of the fractures. It may take up to a year for the injury to heal completely. Depending on the type of job you have, you may not be able to return to the same type of work. Because of the amount of force needed to break the heel bone initially, even if your fracture heals properly, your foot may never b
