Abstract
Introduction: Called Lover’s Fractures, the calcaneus commonly fractures due to fall from height. The calcaneus is the most frequently fractured tarsal bone. Tarsal bone fractures account for about 2% of all adult fractures. Of these, 60% are calcaneus fractures.The heel bone is often injured in a high-energy collision where other parts of the skeleton are also injured. In up to 10% of cases, the patient can also sustain a fracture of the spine, hip, or the other calcaneus. Injuries to the calcaneus often damage the subtalar joint and cause the joint to become stiff. This makes it difficult to walk on uneven ground or slanted surfaces. Case Report: A 24 year old male, working as a lift operator presented to the casualty of the hospital after the elevator broke down and came down in a free fall from about a height of 4 stories (35 feet). He presented along with the other occupants of the lift who also sustained calcaneal fractures.The case on arrival was subjected to ATLS protocol and through radiologic work up was done. Following a period of 12 days post trauma he was operated for bilateral calcaneal fractures and discharged 10 days post operatively. Conclusion: Calcaneal fractures continue to tread the fine line between operative and conservative management. In a young individual an operative management is likely to give a better outcome as the associated soft tissue problems, commonly encountered, yield a better outcome and faster healing rates.Used of closed reduction further helps alleviate the need to worry about wound healing
Highlights
IntroductionPrognosis o Poor with 40% complication rate Increased due to mechanism (fall from height), smoking, and early surgery lateral soft tissue trauma increases the rate of complication
Called Lover’s Fractures, the calcaneus commonly fractures due to fall from height
Open reduction and stable internal fixation is usually advocated for intra-articular fractures with relevant joint displacement (.1 mm), and in extra-articular fractures compromising the soft tissues and/or with unacceptable positioning, shortening and malalignment of the calcaneus (.108 valgus/.58 varus)
Summary
Prognosis o Poor with 40% complication rate Increased due to mechanism (fall from height), smoking, and early surgery lateral soft tissue trauma increases the rate of complication. Open reduction and stable internal fixation is usually advocated for intra-articular fractures with relevant joint displacement (.1 mm), and in extra-articular fractures compromising the soft tissues and/or with unacceptable positioning, shortening and malalignment of the calcaneus (.108 valgus/.58 varus). Several large series of intra-articular fractures that were classified by CT scanning and managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) showed good to excellent results in 60–85% of cases. A moderately built male with all vital parameters with in normal limits Tense swelling around both the ankles and the heels. CT Scan (Right): comminuted displace fracture of the calcaneum with articular extension into the subtalar joint and surrounding soft tissue edema (Figure 4)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
