Radiologic aspects of calcaneal fractures in childhood and adolescence

One hundred and forty-three calcaneal fractures in 140 patients under the age of 19 years were reviewed. Of the total number, 75 per cent were in males. Eighty fractures were seen in females under 13 years of age and in males under 16 years of age. Fifteen (19%) of these fractures were initially not recognized. Four projections were available in the majority of the cases, and were reviewed: lateral, axial, straight dorsoplantar and oblique dorsoplantar views. The various types of fractures had different courses and localizations. The optimum demonstration of a fracture in a certain projection will therefore be dependent on the type of fracture present. It is clinically difficult to foresee a specific type of calcaneal fracture, and consequently it is recommended that all four views should be obtained routinely following trauma to the calcaneal region in patients of the pertinent age groups.