How is a calcaneus fracture diagnosed?

How is a calcaneus fracture diagnosed?

Diagnosis. A physical examination followed by X-rays and/or CT scans are generally used to diagnosis calcaeneal fractures. Such diagnostic studies also help determine the extent of the fractures. An MRI can be used to distinguish a calcaneal fracture from plantar fascitis.

What are the two most common types of calcaneal fractures?

Calcaneal fractures have characteristic appearances based on the mechanism of injury and are divided into two major groups, intraarticular and extraarticular. Most calcaneal fractures (70%–75%) are intraarticular and result from axial loading that produces shear and compression fracture lines.

What are the symptoms of a calcaneus fracture?

Symptoms of a heel fracture include pain, swelling and bruising of the heel. Patients usually are unable to walk. In fractures with severe swelling, blisters may develop around the heel.

What fracture is associated with calcaneus fracture?

Extraarticular fractures account for 25 % of calcaneal fractures. These typically are avulsion injuries of either the calcaneal tuberosity from the Achilles tendon, the anterior process from the bifurcate ligament, or the sustentaculum tali. Intraarticular Fractures account for the remaining 75%.

Can you walk with a calcaneus fracture?

With some minor calcaneus fractures, the pain may not be enough to prevent you from walking — but you may limp. This is because your Achilles tendon acts through the calcaneus to support your body weight.

How do you treat a calcaneus fracture?

Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures

  1. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Rest (staying off the injured foot) is needed to allow the fracture to heal.
  2. Immobilization. Sometimes the foot is placed in a cast or cast boot to keep the fractured bone from moving.

Why is it called Lover’s fracture?

The name “lover’s fracture” is derived from the fact that a suitor may jump from great heights while trying to escape from the lover’s spouse 2. There is an important association between lover’s fractures and burst fractures of the lumbar spine.

How long does it take for a calcaneus fracture to heal?

Some, but not all, calcaneus fractures require surgery. The broken bone will take 3-4 months to heal with or without surgery. If surgery is not needed, there will still be a time where movement and weight bearing is limited.

What other injuries may be associated with calcaneal fracture after a fall?

ED physicians should always consider the possibility that calcaneus fractures can be bilateral and associated with other lower extremity fractures and/or thoracolumbar spine fractures. An important early complication is acute compartment syndrome.

Is a calcaneus fracture serious?

Calcaneus fractures can be quite severe. Treatment often involves surgery to reconstruct the normal anatomy of the heel and restore mobility so that patients can return to normal activity.

How long does it take for a calcaneus fracture to heal without surgery?

What is a nutcracker fracture?

A nutcracker fracture of the cuboid refers to a cuboid bone fracture with associated navicular avulsion fracture due to compression between the bases of 4th and 5th metatarsals and calcaneus bone. The injury usually occurs secondary to the traumatic abduction of the forefoot.

Can I exercise with a calcaneus fracture?

Your weight and gravity will slowly strengthen the bone in the healed calcaneus fracture. You can start doing body weight exercises like squats, heels raises at this point to gain the strength back. Ankle ROM exercises are also necessary to get full range of motion and mobility back in the ankle.

Why is it called a nightstick fracture?

An isolated fracture of the ulnar shaft is defined as a nightstick fracture. The injury derives its name from the idea that a suspect struck with a police nightstick would hold his forearm above his face in a defensive posture when struck with a police baton, resulting in a fracture to the ulna.

What is the rarest bone to break?

Fractures of the upper arm, or humerus, are the least common. In recent years, upper arm fractures have accounted for about 20% of total upper limb fractures. Fractures of the wrist, hand, and fingers occur slightly more often than fractures of the forearm.

How long does it take to walk after a calcaneus fracture?

Some patients can begin weight-bearing activities a few weeks after injury or surgery; others may need to wait 3 months or more before putting weight on the heel. Most patients are able to begin partial weight bearing between 6 and 10 weeks after injury or surgery.