[Thalamic fractures of the calcaneus. The authors' experience]

The authors refer their experience in management of thalamic fractures of the heel. Their series includes 22 patients with 24 fractures and comprises the 12-year period 1975-87. They assess the results based on radiological, clinical, functional and occupational criteria, emphasizing the role of the posterior subtalar joint, which imposes an anatomical reconstruction on the orthopaedist, since the final results are conditioned by its arthritic degeneration. Complex fractures with important displacement need surgical treatment with reduction and synthesis. In simple fractures with or without slight displacement, conservative treatment using cast immobilization is now the treatment of choice.