Calcaneus

The calcaneus is the heel bone of the foot. It is also called the largest tarsal bone. It is a major bone that provides support to the hind foot. This bone bears most of the body weight. The calcaneus sits below talus and is irregularly shaped. The posterior end of the calcaneus forms the core of the heel. It consists of the anterior surface, posterior surface, superior surface, plantar surface, lateral surface, and medial surface. It is attached to various other parts of the foot by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is well connected to other bones by joints. It is related to the Achilles tendon, talocalcaneal joint, plantar aponeurosis, deltoid ligament of ankle and many others. It get blood supply from calcaneal branches of posterior tibial artery and deep perforator peroneal arteries. The calcaneus is prone to fractures, injury, stress, degeneration, and trauma. The calcaneus is frequently prone to injuries and fractures; however, these are most likely resolved using non-operative methods. The calcaneus plays a major role in knee flexion, plantar flexion, and while standing, steadying the leg. Since the calcaneus is surrounded by soft tissue, surgical procedures need to be conducted with care. People with diabetes are prone to diabetic foot ulcers. Prolonged periods of high blood sugars lead to nerve damage and damage of blood vessels. This leads to lack of immunity and impaired sensation. Peripheral neuropathies, vascular changes, and infectious diseases are major causes for foot amputations. Also, people with diabetes are known to have reduced bone mineral density. This is known to cause a condition called spontaneous calcaneal fracture. This condition is known to occur even without trauma in people with diabetes. Bone and joint problems, thyroid complications of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, Charcot neuropathy, and diabetes are major risk factors for calcaneal fractures. Improvement of glycemic control and diabetic foot might reduce the risk of calcaneal fractures. In the case of peripheral vascular diseases, reduced circulation might demand amputation.