Presentation
Pain and limited movement in the left foot after a fall from height.
Patient Data
On the frontal and lateral x-ray views of the ankle, a subtle fracture line of the posterior calcaneal tuberosity is suspected, with minimal displacement and associated soft tissue swelling. On the axial view, the fracture line is visible, confirming the diagnosis.
Case Discussion
Calcaneal fractures are classified into intra-articular and extra-articular fractures depending on their involvement with the subtalar joint, and are further categorized as follows:
type A: fracture of the anterior portion of the calcaneus
type B: fracture of the middle calcaneus, including the trochlear process and the body of the calcaneus
type C: fracture of the posterior tuberosity
The radiographic findings are consistent with an extra-articular calcaneal fracture (posterior tuberosity), classified as type C.
Notably, in this case, the fracture was unclear and quite subtle on the frontal and lateral views, whereas it was clearly visible on the axial view. Therefore, in cases with high suspicion, evaluating the injury using different views is essential.
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