[Computed tomography of calcaneal fractures--comparison with conventional radiography]

Computed tomography (CT) and conventional radiography were compared in 52 calcaneal fractures. As for CT, direct coronal imagings were performed in all and direct axial imagings were added in 27 of them. Conventional radiography included lateral, axial, and Anthonsen (oblique) views. Overall CT detected 7 more of the incongruity of the posterior facet, 9 more of the bulging of the lateral wall, and 6 more of the fracture of the sustentaculum tali than conventional radiography. In addition the entrapment of the peroneal tendons between the calcaneal body and the fibular malleolus could be evaluated only with CT. These informations are indispensable for the proper treatment of the fractures and we conclude that CT is useful in evaluating calcaneal fractures.