J Korean Fract Soc.  2009 Oct;22(4):288-291. 10.12671/jkfs.2009.22.4.288.

Avulsion Fracture of Calcaneal Apophysis in an Adolescent Gymnast: A Case Report

• Heo YM
• Chung WY
• Kim SB
• Park CY
• Yi JW

• KMID: 1469997
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2009.22.4.288

Abstract

The avulsion fracture of calcaneal apophysis by Achilles tendon in children is quite rare. It may occur with the injury of the apophysis on the calcaneal tuberosity in the children below the age of 12 to 15 before the union of the apophysis. The authors surgically treated a 14-year-old gymnast with the avulsion fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity who injured at the landing of the floor exercise. Radiographs at the fourteen months of follow-up showed slight irregularity of the calcaneal tuberosity but there were no pain or limitation of activity. We report a case with the review of literatures.

Keyword

Calcaneus; Apophysis; Avulsion fracture

MeSH Terms

Achilles Tendon
Adolescent
Calcaneus
Child
Floors and Floorcoverings
Follow-Up Studies
Humans

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Preoperative lateral radiograph shows the avulsion fracture of calcaneal apophysis. The bony fragment is proximally displaced by Achilles tendon.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Immediate postoperative lateral radiograph shows anatomical reduction of bony fragment of calcaneal tuberosity and internal fixation with two K-wires. (B) At 14 months after operation, soft tissue swelling and beak of proximal edge of calcaneal tuberosity are showed.

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  Fig. 3 Photograph with squatting and heel-rise position of ankle shows good functional results at 14 months follow-up.

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