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Tarsal Bone Fracture Symptoms and Treatment

Tarsal Bone Fracture

By Siora SurgicalsPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Tarsal Bone Fracture

Tarsal Bone Fracture

In the human body, the tarsal bones of the foot are responsible for various movements. These bones are located in the midfoot and the rear-foot which is also known as hind-foot. Collectively these bones are also named 'the tarsus'. In the tarsal group, a total of seven bones exist which are as follows:

  1. Talus (ankle bone)
  2. Calcaneus (heel bone)
  3. Navicular
  4. Cuboid: The cuboid provides stability to the foot and helps in the toes' movement.
  5. Medial cuneiform: This bone secures various ligaments in the foot.
  6. Intermediate cuneiform: The intermediate cuneiform plays a key role in the flexibility of the foot
  7. Lateral cuneiform: This is the largest of the tarsal bones and also the largest bone of the foot.

The Midfoot Area of the foot

The tarsal bones articulate with the bones of the metatarsus, a group of five long bones which is located between the phalanges (toe bones) and tarsal bones. The tarsus connects the ankle joint above, which further connects to the tibia and fibula bones of the leg.

Anatomy and Common Injuries of the Feet or Ankles

Different Movements

The ankle joint is responsible for the turning and tilting of the foot in different positions. If the foot is tilted such that the sole of the foot faces inward toward the middle line of the body, then this position is called inversion. If the foot is tilted as such that the sole of the foot faces outward and away from the middle line of the body, then this position is called eversion. Plantar Flexion is tipping of the foot such that the toes point down. While the opposite movement, tipping the foot upward such that the toes point towards the sky is called dorsiflexion.

Pronation and Supination

Two other movements in the foot are supination and pronation. Usually, these movements describe how the foot strikes the ground while running and the position of the foot during the motion.

Pronation is landing on the outer side of the heel and the inward rolling and flattening of the foot. This is a common but essential locomotive movement of the foot. If abnormal conditions occur when the pronation is at its extreme during movement, then it is called over-pronation.

Whereas supination is the reverse of pronation. In this movement, the role of the foot is rather toward the outer side of the foot. It is also known as under-pronation

If the foot is pushing off during a step, then supination is normal locomotive movement. But if abnormal conditions occur in which the supination is at its extreme during motion. This excessive outward rolling of the ankle puts extra strain on the ligaments and tendons of the joint which may result in ankle sprains and other associated injuries. Moreover, these movements can affect an individual's manner of walking.

Tarsal Fractures

A tarsal bone fracture is the fracture of the foot. These fractures can occur due to impact injuries or repetitive action forces. Actual tarsal fractures in the tarsal bones and the rear foot are not common. Mostly stress fractures or hairline fractures occur in the calcaneus or navicular bones. In the case of a tarsal stress fracture, particularly a fracture of the navicular, vitamin D level must be checked as it is very critical for healing.

Foot Pain

Sometimes it may be difficult to find out the root cause of foot pain due to the number of bones and structures in the foot.

Symptoms and Treatment

Usually, a gradual rise in pain and difficulty with weight-bearing are the resultants of a stress fracture. Whereas tarsal fractures include sudden pain and difficulty with bearing weight on the foot and tenderness in the fracture area.

It's generally treated with a cast worn on the foot for about six weeks and the patient is advised to stay off the broken foot. In case of stress fractures, a special boot is prescribed to the patient. Crutches are used in both cases to keep weight off the foot during the healing process. Sometimes operative treatment is required. It may help the patient return to sports activity which cannot be possible otherwise. The alternative treatments are shock wave therapy and bone marrow aspirate concentrate. Implants and tools for the management of fractures are made available by orthopedic implant manufacturers.

Helix locking plate system is useful for the treatment of osteoporotic bones, metaphyseal segment fractures, and for fractures that are to be treated with biological fixation.

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About the Creator

Siora Surgicals

Siora Surgicals is a leading Indian Orthopedic Implants and Surgical Instruments Manufacturer and Suppliers company for 30 years. With a growing portfolio of over 2000+ items under expansion, it has excellent market acceptance.

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