To get the best experience while viewing this site, it is recommended that you upgrade to a modern browser version of Chrome or Firefox.

You may do so by clicking on one of these icons:


southern new mexico surgery center
 
  •  

  •  
    Health Library Explorer
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
    Pediatric Health Library
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Topic IndexLibrary Index
    Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
    Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
    Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

    Understanding Calcaneus (Heel) Fracture Repair

    The calcaneus is the heel bone. This bone may become fractured during a high-energy injury. This includes such things as a fall from a height, a twisting injury to the ankle, or a car accident. The heel may break in several places. The fracture may cause your foot to become misshapen. It may be difficult or impossible to walk on. The injury is often very painful.

    Side view of lower leg and foot bones showing heel bone.

     How to say it

    kal-KAY-nee-us

    Why calcaneus fracture repair is done

    A fracture of the heel bone may result in multiple pieces of broken bone. The broken pieces may be displaced. This means they no longer line up correctly with each other. You may need surgery to repair a heel fracture so you can use your foot again. During surgery, the surgeon moves the pieces of bone back into place. The surgeon then puts in metal devices (internal fixation) to hold the bone pieces in place while they heal.

    How calcaneus fracture repair is done

    The surgery is most often done on an outpatient basis. That means that you go home the same day. During the surgery:

    • You are given medicine to help you relax and to prevent pain. You will likely be given general anesthesia. This puts you into a state like deep sleep during the procedure. You may also have a nerve block. This numbs the foot during the surgery and for a time afterward.

    • With open surgery: The surgeon makes an incision over your heel. They move the bones back into place. The surgeon then places pins, wires, screws, or metal plates to hold the bone pieces together. They close the skin incision with stitches. The fixation stays in place and is not generally removed.

    • With closed reduction (percutaneous fixation): The surgeon moves the bone pieces back into place under the skin through small incisions (cuts). They insert special screws or plates to hold the bone pieces together. The fixation stays in place and is not generally removed.

    • Your foot is put into a splint or cast. You will likely be told to not put weight on the foot for a few weeks after the surgery.

    Depending on the severity of the fracture, you may still have problems with walking after the bone has healed. Orthotics or other support may help.

    Risks of calcaneus fracture repair

    Risks include:

    • Bleeding

    • Infection

    • Irritation to nearby nerves or tendons

    • The fracture does not heal

    • The skin does not heal

    • Lasting pain and swelling

    • Arthritis

    • More surgery is needed in the future

    Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
    Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 10/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
    horizontal line

    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Disclaimer