Fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity treated with suture fixation through bone tunnels.

Abstract

Fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity, although rare, present a challenge for the treating surgeon. The goal of treatment is restoration of function of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex and the Achilles tendon. These fractures often occur in diabetics and elderly osteoporotic patients and therefore fixation of the displaced fragment is difficult. Displaced fractures, if not recognized and promptly reduced, often result in secondary soft tissue compromise. Often, the fragment is a small shell of osteoporotic bone, which is less than optimal for bony fixation. We present our technique for surgical fixation of calcaneal tuberosity fractures using a suture placed through bone tunnels in the calcaneal body. This technique is used by itself for smaller fragments or supplemented with screw fixation for larger fragments.