Treatment of Open Calcaneus Fracture with Break in Skin Over the Fracture Site

When a calcaneus fracture is open — marked by a disruption in the skin over the fracture site — the clinical picture shifts urgently. Exposure of the fracture to the external environment heightens infection risk considerably, and the management approach reflects that priority.

Clinical scenario

Open fractures, marked by a break in the skin, pose a heightened risk of infection and often demand urgent attention. The exposure of the fracture site to external contaminants necessitates prompt wound management, debridement, and administration of antibiotics.

Treatment goals

Calcaneal anatomical alignment on imaging
Resolution of heel pain

Treatment overview Management centres on urgent wound debridement and antibiotic therapy to control infection risk, followed by surgical stabilisation of the calcaneus — the approach to fixation depends on the specific fracture characteristics and is detailed in the full protocol.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54786

Open fractures, marked by a break in the skin, pose a heightened risk of infection and often demand urgent attention.

The exposure of the fracture site to external contaminants necessitates prompt wound management, debridement, and administration of antibiotics.

Surgical procedures are performed to reduce the risk of infection, facilitate proper wound management, and stabilise the fractured calcaneus.

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