Surgical Treatment of Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures in Children

Fractures of the heel bone are frequent injuries and they may interfere with the patient's common daily activities for quite a long time. They are most frequently caused by falls and jumps from a height, and occur most often in middle-aged persons; they account for about 2% of all fractures in adults. In children, calcaneal fractures indicated for surgery are rare. The report presents two cases of intra-articular fracture in children treated by open reduction from the extended lateral approach and by osteosynthesis with an angular stable plate. The surgical procedure, reduction, implant and post-operative care were the same as used in adults. A paediatric calcaneal fracture regularly occurs due to a high-energy impact and presents a serious injury. Therefore, it is recommended to treat such fractures at institutions with medical staff experienced in their management.