The heel bone, called the calcaneus, is the largest bone of the foot. It makes up the back of the foot and provides important attachment sites for the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
Heel Bone Fractures (Calcaneus Fractures)
Calcaneus fractures can occur in a variety of different patterns. Commonly, calcaneus fractures extend into the joints formed by the heel bone with other bones of the foot and ankle. Falls from a height and motor vehicle accidents are the most common causes of calcaneus fractures.
Some calcaneus fractures can be treated without surgery, with a cast or boot stabilizing the foot as the broken bone heals. More complicated calcaneus fractures often require surgery to stabilize and realign the bones and joints of the foot.
Calcaneus fracture surgery involves using a plate and screws to fix the broken bone pieces back together. Bone cement can also be used to help rejoin the fractured areas.
During calcaneus fracture surgery, a surgeon makes incisions along the back of the ankle and heel bone. This allows the surgeon to realign the heel bone and use a metal plate and screws to stabilize the fracture.
