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Calcaneal fracture

Dr MT Niknejad and Radswiki et al.

Calcaneal fractures can occur in a variety of settings.

Epidemiology

The calcaneus is the most commonly fractured tarsal bone and accounts for about 2% of all fractures 2 and ~ 60% of all tarsal fractures 3.

Pathology

Calcaneal fractures can be divided broadly into tow types (under Essex-Lopresti 1): 

  1. extra-articular : 25-30 % 2
  2. intra-articular : 70-75 % 2

If bilateral calcaneal fractures are seen, then the spine should also be evaluated for fracture as the mechanism of injury is often a large load to the axial skeleton, such as jumping from a second story window. 

Radiographic features

Plain film
Lateral roadiograph: 

Bohler's angle is the angle between two tangent lines drawn across the anterior and posterior borders of calcaneus in the lateral view. When Bohler's angle becomes less than 20 degrees it indicates a calcaneal fracture.

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