Calcaneus fracture surgery, view of hardware placement using plates and screws for fixation!!
Calcaneal fractures are the most common tarsal fracture, and can occur in a variety of settings, such as falling from a height or car accidents. In such cases, restoration of normal alignment and contour is considered the best way to restore function and minimize pain. The most common surgical techniques utilized to treat a broken calcaneus involve cutting through the skin to place the bone back together and using plates and screws to hold the alignment. A classic “open” procedure involves an incision over the lateral aspect of the heel. The incision is likened to a hockey stick or large “L” where the overlying nerve (sural) and tendons (peroneal) are moved out of the way. The fracture fragments are restored to the best possible position. Internal fixation refers to the placement of a plate and screws to hold the fracture in place. Basically, the hardware doesn’t need to be removed unless they are causing pain, irritation, or other complications related to infection, bleeding or thrombus/clot formation.