About Calcaneus Fracture
Key Highlights
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Restores the normal anatomy and alignment of the heel bone.Reduces the risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis in the subtalar joint.Improves long-term function and ability to walk and bear weight.Helps prevent chronic pain, deformity, and gait abnormalities.Modern surgical techniques aim to minimize soft tissue damage and promote healing.
Who is this surgery for?
- Displaced intra-articular fractures (where the fracture line extends into the joint).
- Significant loss of heel height or width, leading to deformity.
- Fractures with joint depression or step-offs greater than 1-2 mm.
- Open fractures (where the bone breaks through the skin).
- Fractures associated with compartment syndrome of the foot.
- Certain tongue-type fractures that threaten the skin.
- Failure of non-surgical (conservative) treatment to manage pain or maintain alignment.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including X-rays and often a CT scan to assess fracture pattern.
- Management of swelling, which may involve elevation, ice, and temporary immobilization for 1-2 weeks before surgery.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray as required.
- Discussion of medical history, allergies, and current medications with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the scheduled surgery.
- Arranging for post-operative assistance and transportation.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or in the bone (osteomyelitis).
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels near the surgical area.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Stiffness and loss of motion in the ankle or subtalar joint.
- Persistent pain, swelling, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Problems with wound healing or skin breakdown.
- Hardware irritation, requiring later removal.
- Non-union (bone fails to heal) or malunion (bone heals in poor position).
- Development of post-traumatic arthritis despite surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial period of strict non-weight-bearing on the affected foot for 8-12 weeks.
- Use of a splint or cast, followed by a removable boot for protection and support.
- Elevation of the foot to control swelling for several weeks post-surgery.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Gradual initiation of physical therapy to restore range of motion, strength, and gait.
- Progressive return to weight-bearing as guided by X-ray evidence of healing.
- Long-term recovery to full activity can take 6 months to a year or more.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering calcaneus fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for calcaneus fracture in India include Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform calcaneus fracture. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for calcaneus fracture compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Calcaneus Fracture in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing calcaneus fracture.
Pooja Brown, a 28-year-old elementary school...
Pooja Brown, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher and avid weekend hiker, was trail running when she misstepped off a rock, landing hard on her heel. She felt an immediate, sickening crunch and couldn't bear any weight. In the ER, X-rays confirmed a displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture. Her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that due to the joint involvement and displacement, surgery was necessary to restore the heel's anatomy and prevent severe, debilitating arthritis. Pooja underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) a week later when the swelling subsided. The initial recovery was daunting, strict non-weight-bearing for 12 weeks, managing significant pain and swelling. She felt isolated and anxious about her job and independence. However, with dedicated physical therapy and a supportive network, she gradually regained mobility. By eight months, she was walking without a limp and had returned to gentle hiking. Her emotional journey shifted from fear and frustration to immense gratitude for her body's resilience and a newfound patience for the healing process.
Orthopedists for Calcaneus Fracture
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform calcaneus fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore