Calcaneal Fracture – Plantar Medial Tubercle

A unique fracture of the calcaneus not found within any fracture classification.

I saw a unique fracture of the heel bone (calcaneus) this week that in 32 years of practice, I don’t believe I have ever seen before.  This fracture is not described in the most common fracture classifications, including the Rowe and Sanders classifications.

The patient described the onset as the result of trying to make a point in conversation.  She stomped her foot several times and felt an acute onset of pain.  X-rays show a non-displaced fracture of the plantar medial tubercle.  The plantar medial tubercle of the calcaneus is the primary insertion of the plantar fascia.

Fracture healing requires good apposition and good alignment of the fracture site.  In this case, there is a very strong surrounding envelope of soft tissue that will be able to hold the fracture in place and enable uneventful healing.

Jeff  

Jeffrey A. Oster, DPM 

Medical Advisor
Myfootshop.com  

Updated 3-11-2021

Helpful Products

Gel Heel Spur Pads

Gel Heel Spur Pads offer thick, cushioning gel and a removable inner plug to relieve pain associated with heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Sever's disease. Fits in most shoes. By Oppo Medical. 1 pair/pkg.

As low as $24.61!

Gel Heel Cushions

Gel Heel Cushions are soft, long-lasting, adhesive-backed pads offering shock absorption and pressure relief for heel pain caused by heel spurs, fat pad atrophy, and plantar fasciitis. Easily trim to fit all shoes. Two sizes. By Myfootshop.com. 1 pair/pkg.

As low as $9.31!

Heel Cups - PQ Gel

Heel Cups - PQ Gel cushion and lift heels to relieve pain from heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Sever's disease with thick, shock-absorbing visco gel. Fits in most shoes. By Riecken's Orthotic Lab. 1 pair/pkg.

As low as $25.46!