Rehabilitation Protocols for Calcaneus Fractures

JOURNAL TITLE: Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Asia Pacific)

Author
1. Sidak Dhillon
2. Himmat Dhillon
3. Mandeep Singh Dhillon
ISSN
2348-280X
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10040-1131
Volume
7
Issue
2
Publishing Year
2020
Pages
6
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Physiotherapy, Government Multispeciality Hospital, Chandigarh, India
    1. Department of Orthopaedics, Government Multispeciality Hospital, Chandigarh, India
    1. Department of Orthopedics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
  • Article keywords

    Abstract

    Calcaneus fractures are a complex injury. Since the calcaneus plays a key role in weight-bearing and gait cycle, rehabilitation after injury needs to be individualized, and a structured program needs to be implemented. The rehabilitation protocol also varies depending on the type of injury, the associated injuries, and the management of the injury itself, be it surgical or conservative. It is important to understand that mobilization starts much earlier than weight-bearing. The nonweight-bearing time period also differs from patient to patient as that too depends on the type of approach that has been taken to manage the injury. That being said, weight-bearing is very important to minimize reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and osteopenia, so the patients should be encouraged to start weight-bearing as soon as possible. Protocols will differ between patients having bilateral and unilateral calcaneal fractures. The structuring of the rehabilitation program according to the patients’ needs is what is essential to ensure good outcomes and will determine the return to activity and work. Stress fractures are a unique problem, and periodization of rehabilitation is the key.

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