[30 years experience in articular fractures of the calcaneus bone]

Results of 150 (123 in males, 27 in females) articular fractures of the calcaneus treated by various methods over period of 30 years have been evaluated. Mean age of the patients was 43 years. Minimum follow-up was 18 months. An analysis of the material indicates the need for reduction in every case. Westhues method is suitable for tongue type fracture, joint depression type should be managed by Palmer's method. Best results have been achieved after K-wire fixation of the reduced fracture and early mobilization. In fractures with no displacement or with a minor one functional treatment led to good results also. Unreduced fractures gave poor results; pain below lateral ankle was produced by compression of peroneal tendons with deformed calcaneus. Seventy per cent of the results were rated good, 15% fair and 15% poor.