Dr. Abhinav Singhal is a highly skilled Orthopedic Surgeon in Ghaziabad with over 10 years of experience, specializing in joint arthroscopy, joint replacement, and complex trauma care.
A calcaneus fracture is a break in the heel bone, the largest bone in the foot. It often occurs due to high-impact trauma, such as:
Falling from a height
Car or motorcycle accidents
Severe ankle twisting
These fractures can range from minor cracks to comminuted fractures (bone shattered into pieces), and may involve the joint surface (intra-articular), making them complex to treat.
Intra-articular
Involves the subtalar joint
More common & more serious
Higher risk of long-term stiffness and arthritis
Extra-articular
Does not involve joint surfaces
Less complicated, often managed non-surgically
Open fracture
Skin broken; high risk of infection
Needs urgent treatment
Severe heel pain, especially with weight-bearing
Swelling and bruising
Inability to walk
Flattened or widened heel shape
Possible blistering over the heel (due to swelling under the skin)
X-rays : First-line imaging
CT scan : Crucial to understand complex fracture patterns, especially intra-articular involvement
MRI (occasionally) : For soft tissue or cartilage damage
For :
Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures
Extra-articular fractures
Patients who are poor surgical candidates
Includes :-
Immobilization in a cast or boot
No weight-bearing for 6–8 weeks
Gradual physical therapy
🟢 Recovery is good for stable fractures but may still involve long-term stiffness or discomfort.
Required for :
Displaced intra-articular fractures
Open fractures
Severe comminuted fractures
High-performance patients/athletes
Surgical Options :-
ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) : Plates and screws used to realign the bone
Minimally invasive techniques : When soft tissue is at risk
External fixation : Sometimes used temporarily if swelling is severe
🛑 Surgery is usually delayed for several days until swelling reduces to avoid wound complications.
Post-traumatic arthritis (especially if the joint is involved)
Stiffness or chronic heel pain
Wound healing issues (due to poor skin coverage on the heel)
Nerve injury
Nonunion or malunion
Infection (especially after open fracture or surgery)
F&Q'sNot immediately. Most cases require 6–8 weeks of non-weight-bearing to allow healing.
Depends on the fracture type. Displaced intra-articular fractures usually need surgery for the best long-term function.
Yes, but recovery may take 6–12 months. Some may never regain full high-impact function (e.g. running, jumping).
Many patients experience chronic pain, stiffness, or arthritis, especially if the joint was involved.
In fact, surgeons often wait several days after injury to allow swelling to go down before operating.
A calcaneus fracture is a break in the heel bone, the largest bone in the foot. It often occurs due to high-impact trauma, such as :-
Falling from a height
Car or motorcycle accidents
Severe ankle twisting
These fractures can range from minor cracks to comminuted fractures (bone shattered into pieces), and may involve the joint surface (intra-articular), making them complex to treat.