A heel fracture is called a calcaneus fracture.
Understanding Calcaneus Fractures
A calcaneus fracture refers specifically to a break in the calcaneus, the bone that forms the heel. This type of fracture can vary in severity, and there are two primary categories based on the location of the break:
- Intra-articular fractures: These fractures involve the subtalar joint. The subtalar joint is where the calcaneus meets the talus, the bone directly above it.
- Extra-articular fractures: These fractures do not involve the subtalar joint.
| Fracture Type | Description | Involvement of Subtalar Joint |
|---|---|---|
| Intra-articular | Fracture extends into the joint where the calcaneus meets the talus. | Yes |
| Extra-articular | Fracture does not affect the subtalar joint. | No |
The reference information highlights that a calcaneus fracture is the medical term for a broken heel bone. It further explains that these fractures can be categorized by whether or not the fracture involves the subtalar joint, formed by the calcaneus and the talus.
