Calcaneus Fracture — Non-Operative

South Bend Orthopaedics · SBO Physician Team

Weight-Bearing

NWB x 6 wks in splint/boot; progressive WB beginning wk 6 with orthotics; full activity 6-18 months

Key Restrictions

Elevation above heart 23 hrs/day wks 0-2; ice behind knee 30 min on/off; DO NOT attempt subtalar (side-to-side) motion until 6-8 wks and fracture healed per MD; focus DF/PF only in early ROM; no WB before wk 6; driving: wk 9 if right ankle surgery, when off narcotics for left ankle (automatic only)

Timeline & Phases

2 phases: Phase I Protection (0-6 wks with 0-2, 3-4, 4-6 wk sub-phases), Phase II WB and Early Strengthening (6-12 wks); PT starts 4-6 wks post-injury

Notes

Non-operative indicated for Type I (non-displaced) and some Type II fractures (up to 2 mm displacement); also used when poor soft tissue, age, tobacco use, or comorbidities preclude surgery; subtalar joint mobilization explicitly withheld until 6-8 wks and MD clearance; orthotics at 6-10 wks; proprioception (SLS, mini-tramp, rocker board, dynadisc) Phase II; outcomes same as operative entry: 65% limited in vigorous/sport, 50% ambulate any surface, 40% unable to return to prior employment

Surgeon / Author

SBO Physician Team

Published

March 2021