Pathologies
Heel fracture
- Calcaneus fracture
- Fracture du talus
Calcaneus fracture
Cause
A calcaneus fracture occurs in the context of high-energy trauma It is not very common, but often has functional consequences. Its treatment and follow-up therefore require specific expertise. Pain felt in the heel can be accompanied by a hematoma, redness and sometimes edema. It can also reduce the patient’s mobility and ability to bear weight, preventing the patient from standing or cause a limp.
Treatment
Depending on the specifics of the injury, treatment of a calcaneus fracture requires specialized care to ensure optimal bone healing. Centre Assal relies on its practitioners’ extensive experience, and on evidence-based surgical, wound care and rehabilitation protocols. If the fractured bone does not affect function, cast treatment can be effective. But when the bone could shift unexpectedly, surgical treatment is necessary. Open or percutaneous surgery will be conducted, depending on the case, and is generally computer-assisted to ensure the highest level of precision in reducing the fracture. Immobilization is mandatory after the surgery. and then followed by rehabilitation sessions.
Talus fracture
Cause
Forming a joint with the bottom of the tibia and fibula, the talus can fracture as a result of high-energy trauma, most often involving significant loading in the axis of the leg. It notably occurs in people whose feet are locked in while practicing sports, such as snowboarding. Like the calcaneus, talus fractures are rare. The treatment for this injury is complex because of features such as the bone’s density.
Treatment
As with calcaneus fractures, injuries to the talus require specific care which, in addition to proven expertise, means following surgical, wound care and rehabilitation protocols closely to prevent arthritis or avascular necrosis (death of bone due to .lack of blood supply) The treatment is the same as for the calcaneus: the conservative (non-operative) solution consists of cast immobilization of the affected area; computer-assisted surgery is used in more complex cases when the bone fragments must be secured to achieve optimal reduction. The surgical procedure is followed by a period of immobilization and then rehabilitation.
