What is Calcaneal fracture - with plates?

 

A calcaneal fracture with plates refers to the surgical treatment of a fracture of the calcaneus (heel bone) using metal plates for internal fixation. Here’s a detailed explanation of the terms and procedure:

Calcaneal Fracture:

  1. Definition: A calcaneal fracture is a break in the calcaneus, the large bone forming the foundation of the rear part of the foot and heel. This type of fracture is often caused by high-energy trauma such as falls from a height, motor vehicle accidents, or severe sports injuries.
  2. Types:
  • Intra-articular Fracture: Involves the joint surface where the calcaneus meets the talus bone. This type is more complex and can affect joint function.
  • Extra-articular Fracture: Does not involve the joint surface and is typically less complicated.
  • Severe pain in the heel or foot
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
  • Deformity of the heel
  1. Symptoms:

Surgical Treatment with Plates:

  1. Indications for Surgery:
  • Displaced fractures where the bone fragments are not aligned properly
  • Intra-articular fractures affecting the joint surface
  • Open fractures where the bone has broken through the skin
  • Cases where non-surgical treatment is unlikely to result in proper healing
  • Open Reduction: An incision is made to expose the fractured calcaneus. The surgeon then realigns the bone fragments into their correct positions.
  • Internal Fixation with Plates: Metal plates are contoured to fit the shape of the calcaneus and are secured with screws to hold the bone fragments in place. This provides stability and promotes proper healing.
  • Closure: The surgical site is closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing is applied to protect the wound.
  1. Surgical Procedure:

Advantages:

  1. Stable Fixation: Plates provide rigid stabilization of the fracture, ensuring that the bone fragments remain in the correct position during healing.
  2. Improved Healing: Proper alignment and stabilization with plates can lead to better healing outcomes and reduce the risk of complications such as non-union or malunion.
  3. Restoration of Function: Surgery aims to restore the normal shape and function of the heel, improving the patient’s ability to walk and bear weight.
  4. Reduced Pain: By stabilizing the fracture and allowing proper healing, surgery can help alleviate pain associated with the injury.

Disadvantages:

  1. Surgical Risks: Includes risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel damage, and complications related to anesthesia.
  2. Hardware Complications: Plates and screws can sometimes cause irritation to the surrounding tissues, and there is a possibility that they may need to be removed in a future surgery.
  3. Recovery Time: Recovery from surgery can be lengthy and may involve a period of non-weight bearing, followed by rehabilitation to restore strength and function.
  4. Potential for Stiffness: Despite successful surgery, some patients may experience stiffness or reduced range of motion in the ankle and foot.

Rehabilitation:

  1. Post-operative Care: Involves managing pain, caring for the surgical wound, and monitoring for signs of infection or complications.
  2. Physical Therapy: Essential for regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected foot. The rehabilitation program is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and the severity of the fracture.
  3. Gradual Weight Bearing: Patients may need to avoid putting weight on the affected foot for several weeks, gradually progressing to partial and then full weight bearing as healing progresses.

Summary:

A calcaneal fracture with plates involves surgically realigning and stabilizing a fractured heel bone using metal plates. This procedure provides stability, promotes proper healing, and aims to restore function to the affected foot. While effective, it carries risks associated with surgery and requires a commitment to rehabilitation for optimal recovery.

Disclaimer:

Patients considering surgical treatment for a calcaneal fracture should consult with their orthopedic surgeon to discuss their specific condition, treatment options, potential benefits, and risks associated with the procedure. This summary provides general information and should not substitute personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

 

 

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