Extra-articular Fractures

Fractures of the calcaneum are the commonest tarsal fractures and usually classified as extra-articular or intra-articular fractures.

Extra-articular fractures do not involve the subtalar joint. They include fractures of the medial tubercle (Fig 1), the anterior process (Fig 2), the tuberosity (Fig 3), the sustentaculum tali (Fig 4) and also fractures of the body (Fig 5) of the calcaneum posterior to the subtalar joint.

These fractures are relatively minor and have a good prognosis. Treatment is usually closed unless there is significant displacement, in which case open reduction and internal fixation will be undertaken.