Calcaneal Fracture - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Calcaneal Fracture, also known as Lover's fracture and Don Juan fracture , is a fracture of the calcaneus. It usually caused by a fall from height. Calcaneal fractures are common among roofers and rock climbers. The second most common contributing cause to these traumatic fractures are automobile accidents.
Calcaneal fractures are most commonly found in males age 30-50 year. Calcaneal fractures have a track record of being difficult to treat and have frustrated doctors for years. The calcaneus is much like an egg; an outer firm shell and soft on the inside. As a result, the calcaneus often shatters when broken. Calcaneal repair not only requires re-apposition of multiple fracture patterns, but also requires restoration of the subtalar joint. The subtalar joint is the interface between the calcaneus and talus and is a primary load bearing joint of the foot.
In some cases, the calcaneal-cuboid joint may also be affected by an extensive fracture pattern. Three classifications are used to describe calcaneal fractures. A third, and newer classification proposed by Sanders in 1993 uses CT scanning to determine the stage of calcaneal fracture. Plain x-rays and CT scans are often used to determine the extent and classification of calcaneal fractures.
Signs and Symptoms of Calcaneus Fracture
Sign and symptoms may include the following :
- Severe heel pain .
- Swelling of the foot.
- Inability to walk.
- Bruising of the foot .
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