Abstract: Introduction: A calcaneal fracture is a break of the calcaneus. Symptoms may include pain, bruising, trouble walking, and deformity of the heel. It may be associated with breaks of the hip or back. It usually occurs when a person lands on their feet following a fall from a height or during a motor vehicle collision. Diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms and confirmed by X-rays or CT scan. If the bones remain normally aligned treatment may be by casting without weight bearing for around eight weeks. If the bones are not properly aligned surgery is generally required.
Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of 20 cases of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures managed both surgically and conservatively. Patients were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria mentioned below.10 patients were treated surgically and 10 patients who were not willing for surgery were treated conservatively after taking proper consent.
Results: The mean age was 26.5 years (10-49), 40% of the cases were in the age group of 20-29 in conservative whereas surgical cases constitutes of 43% (20-29) with the mean age of 26.88. Mode of injury was fall from height in 100% of cases in conservative whereas in surgical 90% cases are in fall from height and rest 10% can be seen in road traffic accident. In conservative 20% of results were excellent, 70% were good and 10% of the cases were fair. Whereas in surgical 60% of the cases were excellent and 40% were good. Occupational rehabilitation to the patient‘s pre injury state was achieved in 60% of cases in conservative and 90% of cases in surgical.
Conclusion: Intra articular calcaneal fractures are better managed surgically compared to conservative management by understanding the fracture anatomy and restoration of Bohler‘s angle and angle of Gissane. Delayed surgical intervention had better results than early intervention for surgery.
