Calcaneus Fracture Rehabilitation Protocols

4 Calcaneus Fracture rehabilitation protocols from 3 institutions, published 2020–2021. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Asia Pacific)…	NWB in cast/brace wks 1-4; PWB with crutches/walker wks 5-8 (guided by radiology and…	Cast with ankle in neutral (sometimes slight eversion); elevation wks 1-4; no sitting with limb…
South Bend Orthopaedics — Non-Operative	NWB x 6 wks in splint/boot; progressive WB beginning wk 6 with orthotics; full activity…	Elevation above heart 23 hrs/day wks 0-2; ice behind knee 30 min on/off; DO NOT attempt subtalar…
South Bend Orthopaedics — Operative (ORIF or Subtalar Fusion)	NWB x 8 wks in splint/cast/boot; progressive WB in boot starting wk 8-12 (25% increments…	Strict elevation above heart 23 hrs/day wks 0-2; ice behind knee 30 min on/off; NWB x 8 wks regardless of…
University of Colorado Anschutz (CU) — ORIF	NWB on surgical foot until at least 12 wks post-op; progressive WB starting at 12 wks…	Leg elevated 8-10 inches from bed-level; bulky Jones splint post-op; foot in neutral at rest; limit time with…