This fracture may result from having too much impact on the calcaneus, such as from a car crash or a fall from a high height.
The fracture may make the calcaneus wider and shorter.
The goal of this surgery is to restore the shape and function of the calcaneus. You may need this procedure if your calcaneus is crushed or moved out of its normal position.
Depending on your injury, you may have surgery right after your injury, or you may need to wait several weeks for swelling to go down and wounds or blisters to heal.
During the procedure, hardware is used to fix the fracture and hold the bone fragments in place. This procedure is done using one of the following methods: ·
1. Closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. This is done if there are only a few large bone pieces that are not far apart. The screws may be placed through small incisions in the heel.
2. Open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF). This is done if the bone has been crushed or is in many pieces. Wires or plates and screws may be placed through a large incision on the side of the heel.
What are the risks?
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:
Infection.
Bleeding.
Delayed wound healing.
Damage to nearby structures or organs, such as nerves, blood vessels, or tissues that connect muscle to bone (tendons).
Long-term stiffness, swelling, and pain (arthritis).
A long-term limp or heel pain.
A blood clot that forms in the leg and travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
What happens before the procedure?
Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, and tea and coffee without milk or cream.
8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods, such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.
What happens during the procedure?
An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
You will be given one or more of the following:
A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
A medicine to numb the area (local anaesthetic).
A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anaesthetic).
A medicine that is injected into an area of your body to numb everything below the injection site (regional anaesthetic).
If your surgeon uses the closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation method
Small incisions may be made near your fracture.
Broken bone pieces will be put back in their original position.
Screws will be placed through your skin and into your bone. The screws will hold the bone pieces in a normal position for healing.
X-rays will be taken during the procedure to check the position of the bones and the screws.
If your surgeon uses the ORIF method
An incision will be made over the side of your calcaneus.
Your skin will be lifted away from the bone. Nerves, blood vessels, and muscle attachments will be moved out of the way.
Wires or plates and screws will be placed to hold the bone pieces in a normal position for healing.
X-rays will be taken during the procedure to check the position of the bones and the screws.
Your incisions will be closed with stitches (sutures).
A bandage (dressing) may be applied to your incisions.
A splint may be placed on your foot.
What happens after the procedure?
Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
Your foot may be raised (elevated) to help reduce swelling.
You will be given medicine to help relieve pain as needed.
You may need to wear a splint or boot on your injured foot.
You will be given instructions about:
When it is safe to move your foot.
When it is safe to put weight on your foot.
When to start physical therapy exercises.
Further Instructions
You may be given a walking frame, crutches, or a cane to help with walking.
Do not drive or operate machinery until your healthcare provider says that it is safe.