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Trauma
intermediate
X-Type

Calcaneal Tuberosity Fractures

Foot and Ankle Trauma

A 62-year-old diabetic male with a history of chronic Achilles tendinopathy stumbles on a curb while walking. He experiences sudden severe heel pain and is unable to plantarflex his foot or walk on tiptoes. Examination reveals a palpable gap in the posterior heel with loss of normal Achilles contour. Radiographs demonstrate an avulsion fracture of the superior calcaneal tuberosity with 8mm displacement and comminution. The fracture fragment includes the Achilles tendon insertion site. Regarding this injury:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Calcaneal tuberosity avulsion fractures represent Achilles tendon insertion site failures and result...

B

Open reduction and internal fixation is indicated for displaced calcaneal tuberosity fractures to re...

C

Tension band wiring is the preferred fixation method as it converts tensile Achilles forces into com...

D

The sural nerve is at minimal risk during the posterior approach to the calcaneal tuberosity and doe...

E

Early protected range of motion exercises can begin at 2-3 weeks postoperatively when tension band f...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option