In many cases, a bone infection must be treated with amputation. Osteomyelitis is a severe deep-wound infection that affects the bone, and the calcaneus is particularly vulnerable. Surgical correction of a fractured heel bone is a risky procedure. The surgeon can then manipulate the bone fragments into normal alignment.Ĭomplications of Calcaneal Fracture Surgery The surgeon makes a small incision and pierces the pieces of broken bones with a surgical wire. This is a minimally-invasive surgical technique that can be performed on some fractures (less than 10%). The surgeon then carefully repositions the fragments and fixes them into the proper position with screws and metal plates. The surgery is generally performed through an open incision on the outer side of the heel. ![]() Operating on an excessively swollen foot may lead to healing problems and it can increase the risk for infection. Typically, surgery cannot begin until the swelling has gone down, about 10-14 days following the trauma. Because each fracture is different, each surgical procedure is highly individualized. Your surgeon will reconstruct the heel bone to something close to its original shape. Surgical correction of a calcaneal fracture takes an extremely skilled surgeon and is inherently risky. After 2 weeks, practice drawing a figure-8 with the toes to increase your range of motion in the ankle. Your doctor may prescribe you pain medication or you can take over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Wrap your heel in a compression sock or bandage. Wrap a bag of ice in a washcloth and place it on the heel for 10-15 minutes, three times each day. When resting, prop your foot up on stools or pillows to keep it above your heart. Typically, non-surgical treatment involves: Smokers, elderly patients, and patients with diabetes or vascular disease may be at higher risk for surgical complications, such as an infection or blood loss.Īs severe as calcaneal fractures can be, studies have shown that nonoperative treatment can be very nearly as effective as surgical treatment. When the calcaneus fractures, the hard outer layer can break into irregular fragments.Ī conservative, non-invasive treatment regimen may be recommended for patients who are not good candidates for surgery. When you crack a hard-boiled egg, the shell shatters. Think of the calcaneus as a hard-boiled egg: its outside layer is hard and brittle, while the inner tissue is soft and spongey. ![]() Treating a calcaneal fracture is extremely tricky because the fracture is rarely a clean break like you might see in a broken shin or arm. ![]() Heel bone fractures are notoriously difficult to treat and usually require prolonged healing times. This occurs when a vertebra in the lower-mid back is crushed. About 10% of patients with calcaneal fractures also suffer a back injury called a Lumbar spinal burst fracture. Your doctor may also order a CT scan to get a better idea of the fracture pattern, to determine whether surgery is needed.ĭepending on the cause of your injury, your foot and ankle specialist may also examine you for an ankle or mid-foot injury, or refer you to another specialist to check for injuries beyond the foot. X-ray imaging can be helpful in making a diagnosis and the best treatment options. Your doctor will evaluate your foot for swelling and other signs of a fracture or joint damage. If you have recently experienced trauma and experiencing symptoms of a calcaneal fracture, visit your foot and ankle specialist. General pain in the heel that gradually worsens could be a sign of a stress fracture.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |