Calcaneus – Calcaneus Fracture
What is a Calcaneus Fracture (Calcaneus Fracture)?
Calcaneus fractures account for 1-2% of all bone fractures. Men are more frequently affected by calcaneus fractures than women.
Due to the extremely high forces that cause them, calcaneus fractures are among the most severe injuries. In cases of complicated fractures involving multiple bone fragments and joint surface involvement, patients often experience pain and gait disturbances even after healing.
What are the Causes of a Calcaneus Fracture?
Calcaneus fractures are often caused by a fall from a great height. Risk groups include mountaineers, parachutists, and gymnasts.
The high impact force during landing can lead to a calcaneus fracture. The calcaneus breaks and displaces towards the lateral malleolus. The tensile force of the Achilles tendon further exacerbates this displacement.
How is a Calcaneus Fracture Treated?
A calcaneus fracture can be treated conservatively through immobilization. However, immobilization often leads to joint stiffness. Only undisplaced calcaneus fractures in the joint area should be treated conservatively!
Therefore, surgical therapy is recommended in many cases. To prevent persistent misalignment, surgery aims to restore the calcaneus to its original position. Titanium screws and/or metal plates hold the reconstructed joint in the correct position until bone healing occurs.
Talus – Talus Fracture
What is a Talus Fracture (Talus Fracture)?
The talus forms the transition between the lower leg and the foot. Talus fractures are complex injuries that often heal with an unsatisfactory outcome. Talus fractures are rare. Only 0.5% of all bone fractures are talus fractures.
How is a Talus Fracture Treated?
If it is an undisplaced fracture, the fracture can be treated by immobilization with a cast.
For displaced fractures, surgery is recommended. This is done by screwing the talus along the longitudinal axis of the bone, which brings the fragments under compression, allowing them to heal better.
Tarsal Bones – Tarsal Bone Fracture
What is a Tarsal Bone Fracture?
The tarsal bones include seven different bones. These include the calcaneus, talus, navicular bone, cuboid bone, and three cuneiform bones. The metatarsal bones are connected by ligaments, and fractures often involve ligament injuries.
What are the Causes of a Tarsal Bone Fracture?
One of the most common causes of a tarsal bone fracture is a fall. Osteoporosis, due to altered bone structure, promotes the fracture.
How is a Tarsal Bone Fracture Treated?
If it is an undisplaced fracture, the fracture can be treated by immobilization with a cast.
For displaced fractures, surgery is recommended.
Broken Toe
Broken Toe – Surgery
What is a Toe Fracture?
Broken toes are among the most common fractures of the forefoot. Multiple toes can be fractured simultaneously.
What are the Causes of a Broken Toe?
The cause of a toe fracture is external force. If a heavy object falls on the foot, multiple toes are usually affected.
How is a Broken Toe Treated?
If it is an undisplaced fracture, the fracture can be treated with a tape bandage. For displaced fractures, surgery is recommended.
After three to six weeks, the foot can be fully weight-bearing again.