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Calcaneus fracture in the child
1Department of Orthopedics, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Pediatric calcaneal fractures are less common than in adults, with fewer intra-articular injuries. Rarity is likely due to reduced trauma exposure and potential for missed diagnoses in children.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Traumatology
Background:
- Fractures of the calcaneus (heel bone) are relatively common in adults but rare in children.
- Understanding the characteristics of pediatric calcaneal fractures is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of calcaneal fractures in a pediatric population over a 30-year period.
- To compare pediatric calcaneal fractures with those observed in adults.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 80 calcaneal fractures in 78 children over three decades.
- Analysis of fracture patterns, injury mechanisms, sex distribution, and associated injuries.
Main Results:
- Fractures were more evenly distributed between sexes in children compared to adults.
- Intra-articular calcaneal fractures comprised less than half of pediatric cases, unlike in adults.
- Traffic accidents were a common cause of associated injuries in pediatric patients.
Conclusions:
- The lower incidence of intra-articular fractures in children may be linked to different trauma mechanisms, such as less frequent falls.
- The overall rarity of calcaneal fractures in children could be attributed to reduced exposure to severe trauma and potential underdiagnosis.