Calcaneal Fracture

Calcaneal fractures constitute one of the most contradictory issues of traumatology of the musculoskeletal apparatus. No other type of fracture is associated with such a wide range of different views regarding its management. Lack of consensus is documented also by the fact that so far about 140 therapeutic methods have been suggested for its treatment. On the one hand, authors question the very sense of treatment of such fractures, not recommending even an attempt at reduction or xation, which however, often results in severe sequelae. On the other hand, there are supporters of radical open reduction and internal xation performed simultaneously from two surgical approaches. There are only a few locations in traumatology of the musculoskeletal apparatus that are so sensitive as the calcaneus in terms of proper surgical technique. Even the most renowned clinical departments in Europe entrust this surgical intervention only to "heel specialists." Despite very strict indication criteria for open reduction and internal xation, the number of reported infections ranges between 5-20%, and amputations of limbs are not an exception. These fractures are economically the most demanding of all fractures, with the reported length of hospitalization of 32 days and the average period of sick leave up to 150 days! Our own unsatisfactory results of non-operative treatment, concerns about possible complications resulting from open procedure and the need for a generally applicable method prompted us at the beginning of the 1990s to devise our own surgical method. Surprisingly good results after 8 years of its application as well as general interest in it inspired us to write this book. The book is intended for medical professionals. It contains graphic images. 146 illustrations and photographs