Complications of intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus.

Abstract

Most complications of calcaneal fractures are due to the combination of the dynamic nature and the mechanism of the injury itself. Complications are usually secondary to three integral parts of this complex fracture pattern: 1) fracture and depression of the subtalar joint, 2) loss of the height of the calcaneal body with varus rotation, and 3) expansion of the lateral wall of the calcaneus. Other complications occur with less frequency. This article describes the complications and sequelae of old, malunited intra-articular calcaneal fractures in relation to the nature and the components of these unique fractures.