Os calcis fractures: a randomized trial comparing conservative treatment with impulse compression of the foot

Published data suggest that soft tissue involvement plays a role in the aetiology of residual symptoms following fractures of the os calcis. This randomized study involved 23 patients with 24 intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum. It was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a pneumatic plantar impulse device in reducing pain, associated morbidity and convalescent time. The results show a significant improvement in subtalar range of movement in the pumped group at 3 months, with pain significantly reduced at 6 months and at 1 year. There was no difference in weight bearing or walking distance between the pumped and control groups. The time from date of injury to return to work was significantly reduced in the pumped group by an average of 3 months.