Calcaneus Fracture Treatment & Heel Surgery in Atlanta
A calcaneus fracture is a broken heel bone, often caused by a fall from height, motor-vehicle collision or another high-energy impact.
High-Energy Heel Fractures Need Prompt Review
The calcaneus supports the heel and forms the subtalar joint beneath the ankle. A major impact can crush, widen or shorten the heel and damage the joint surface.
Common Causes
Calcaneus fractures commonly occur after landing directly on the feet from a ladder, roof or other height. They can also occur when the heel is driven into the floorboard during a motor-vehicle collision.
Severe pain, bruising, swelling and inability to bear weight are common.
What We Look For
- Fracture displacement and comminution
- Loss of heel height or increased heel width
- Subtalar-joint surface injury
- Skin pressure, blisters or open wounds
- Circulation and nerve function
Elevate the Foot Until You See Orthopedics
Keep the injured foot above heart level as much as reasonably possible. Remain non-weightbearing and keep the prescribed splint or immobilizer in place unless a medical professional directs otherwise.
The Fracture Pattern Determines the Plan
X-rays identify the injury, but a CT scan is commonly needed to understand the fragments and the amount of subtalar-joint damage.
Heel Shape and Alignment
X-rays show whether the heel has collapsed, widened, shortened or shifted out of alignment.
Joint and Fragment Detail
CT imaging defines the fracture pattern, number of fragments and displacement of the subtalar-joint surface.
Timing Matters
Even when surgery is appropriate, swelling and skin injury may require a period of elevation before definitive treatment.
Falls From Height Can Also Injure the Spine
The same force that fractures the heel can cause a spinal compression fracture or another back injury. Report back pain, numbness, weakness or a major fall immediately. These symptoms may require emergency evaluation and additional imaging.
Some Heel Fractures Heal Without Surgery—Others Need Reconstruction
Nonsurgical Treatment
Selected fractures may be treated with immobilization, strict non-weightbearing, swelling control and repeat imaging.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may use screws, a plate or less-invasive fixation to restore heel height, width, alignment and the subtalar-joint surface.
Future Post-Traumatic Arthritis Is an Important Concern
Many calcaneus fractures enter the subtalar joint. Cartilage injury and residual joint irregularity can later cause pain, stiffness and difficulty walking on uneven ground—even after appropriate treatment.
Get the Right Level of Care
Urgent Orthopedic Appointment
A closed, splinted injury already evaluated at urgent care or the ER may often be reviewed promptly in our office. Call and identify the injury as a confirmed or suspected calcaneus fracture.
Go Directly to the ER For
- A major fall or high-energy collision
- Back, neck, hip or pelvic pain
- An open wound or exposed bone
- Threatened skin, severe deformity or uncontrolled pain
- Numbness, weakness or a cold or pale foot
Calcaneus Fracture Treatment Serving Atlanta and the East Metro Region
Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists provides urgent imaging review and treatment planning for heel fractures.
Bring the original X-rays, CT scan if already completed, radiology reports and emergency-room paperwork. Tell our scheduling team that you have a calcaneus or heel fracture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a CT scan commonly ordered?
What should I do while waiting to see orthopedics?
Does every calcaneus fracture need surgery?
Why might surgery be delayed?
Can a heel fracture cause arthritis later?
Why is back pain important after a heel fracture?
Have a Broken Heel? Elevate the Foot and Get the Fracture Pattern Reviewed
Call Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists for urgent assessment of the X-rays, CT findings, soft tissues and treatment options.