Does a calcaneus fracture require surgery?
Does a calcaneus fracture require surgery?
Rearfoot fractures of either the heel bone (calcaneus) typically occur after a high impact/velocity injury, such as a fall from height or motor vehicle accident. Due to the force of the injury, the damage is often extensive and often requires surgery.
How is a calcaneal fracture treated?
Treatment of Calcaneal Fractures
- Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Rest (staying off the injured foot) is needed to allow the fracture to heal.
- Immobilization. Sometimes the foot is placed in a cast or cast boot to keep the fractured bone from moving.
How long is calcaneus surgery?
Surgery is performed under a general anesthetic, and takes approximately two hours to perform. The surgical procedure is called an open reduction and internal fixation, and may include an arthroscopic procedure.
How long does pain last after calcaneus surgery?
The period of non-weightbearing usually lasts for 8-12 weeks. Physical therapy can help with motion and improve the function of the foot. Calcaneus fractures are significant injuries. Pain, stiffness, and swelling may last for months or indefinitely depending on the severity.
Is heel surgery safe?
Surgery can safely proceed when the skin at the surgical site at the lateral heel wrinkles, indicating the dangerous swelling has gone away. Medications such as immuno-suppressants or steroids may slow healing and delay or preclude surgery.
How serious is a calcaneal fracture?
A fracture of the calcaneus, or heel bone, can be a painful and disabling injury. This type of fracture commonly occurs during a high-energy event—such as a car crash or a fall from a ladder—when the heel is crushed under the weight of the body. When this occurs, the heel can widen, shorten, and become deformed.
Can a calcaneus fracture heal without surgery?
While most calcaneus fractures can heal without surgery, sometimes they do not heal, or they might heal in a position that causes discomfort or trouble with walking or wearing shoes. Surgery to get the bone to heal or to line up the broken pieces becomes more difficult the longer surgery is delayed.
What can I expect after calcaneus surgery?
Expect a lengthy recovery after calcaneus fracture surgery. You will be given a splint or cast. You should not put weight on your foot for at least 6-8 weeks until there is sufficient healing of the fracture. The foot remains very stiff and some permanent loss of motion should be expected.
Will I be able to run after calcaneus surgery?
We know that running is what keeps you fit, healthy and sane… and that after a while it becomes a compulsion. This is why we’re committed to helping our runner patients get back to running as quickly and safely as possible after foot surgery. The good news is that in most cases you’ll be able to resume running.
Is heel surgery painful?
Heel spur surgery is successful for some people, but it doesn’t work for everyone. While some people begin to see an improvement in pain and discomfort in about a week after surgery, others continue to have persistent pain following their procedure. Even when surgery is successful, a heel spur can return.
How can I walk after heel surgery?
X Try to stop using the boot and to walk without crutches. You can now walk normally with your foot flat on the floor….Foot fracture – Heel weight bearing with follow up.
| Healing: | This injury normally takes 6 weeks to heal. |
|---|---|
| Pain and Swelling: | The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating your foot will help. Take pain killers as prescribed. |
When do you start weight bearing after a fracture?
Orthopedic surgeons should feel comfortable progressing patients’ weight-bearing status prior to six weeks postoperatively in the setting of rigid ankle ORIF without fear of implant failure or loss of reduction.
