Which tarsal bone is most commonly fractured?

Category: medical health bone and joint conditions
4.5/5 (71 Views . 37 Votes)
[Calcaneal fractures--the most frequent tarsal fractures].
Operative treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures with anatomical reduction and early mobilisation has lead to a considerable improvement of the functional results of these severe injuries over the recent two decades.



Moreover, what is tarsal fracture?

A Tarsal fracture is a break of any of the tarsal bones in the foot. Acute fractures are caused by sudden trauma. Stress fractures are hairline breaks caused by overuse.

Secondly, what type of bone is the Tarsals? Sesamoid Bones
Bone Classifications (Table 1)
Bone classification Features Examples
Short Cube-like shape, approximately equal in length, width, and thickness Carpals, tarsals
Flat Thin and curved Sternum, ribs, scapulae, cranial bones
Irregular Complex shape Vertebrae, facial bones

Also question is, can you break your tarsal bone?

Tarsal Fractures A tarsal fracture is often used to describe any fracture of the foot. Actual tarsal fractures in the tarsal bones and the rear foot are rare. They can occur from impact injuries or force from repetitive actions.

How long does it take for a tarsal fracture to heal?

A metatarsal fracture may take from 6 weeks to several months to heal. It is important to give your foot time to heal completely, so that you do not hurt it again. Do not return to your usual activities until your doctor says you can.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How do you know if you broke the top of your foot?

If you have a broken foot, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:
  1. Immediate, throbbing pain.
  2. Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest.
  3. Swelling.
  4. Bruising.
  5. Tenderness.
  6. Deformity.
  7. Difficulty in walking or bearing weight.

Do you have to wear a boot for a stress fracture?

If not treated, stress fractures can lead to a full fracture. Whether you have a stress fracture in your metatarsals, shin or ankle, wearing a walking boot can help protect it from further injury. A medical walking brace will also provide the support you need as you let your bones heal.

Where is the tarsal bone located?

The tarsal bones (also known as tarsus, latin: ossa tarsi) form a group of seven articulating bones in the foot located between the bones of the lower leg (tibia, fibula) and the metatarsal bones.

What is a non weight bearing cast?

Non-weight-bearing means that no weight can be placed on the operated leg. This is the most restrictive of all weight-bearing limitations. Since you are not able to bear any weight on the leg, an assistive device, such as a walker or crutches, will be necessary for you to walk.

How do you treat a broken cuboid bone?


In cuboid fractures with minimal pain and swelling, treating with an elastic bandage or with a fracture boot and walking with partial weight bearing until the satisfactory regression of the symptoms, may be enough. In the case of severe initial pain, a short walking cast for 4-6 wk is recommended[30].

How do you detect a stress fracture?

Doctors can sometimes diagnose a stress fracture from a medical history and a physical exam, but imaging tests are often needed.
  1. X-rays. Stress fractures often can't be seen on regular X-rays taken shortly after your pain begins.
  2. Bone scan.
  3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What does a foot bone look like?

The forefoot contains the five toes (phalanges) and the five longer bones (metatarsals). The midfoot is a pyramid-like collection of bones that form the arches of the feet. These include the three cuneiform bones, the cuboid bone, and the navicular bone. The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest bone in the foot.

Where is the midfoot located?

Structure of the Midfoot
It provides stability, connecting the foot and the ankle, and assists in the movement of the toes. It is located between and articulates with the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones and calcaneus, or heel bone. It lies behind the fourth and fifth toes and in front of the heel bone.

How do you tell if a bone is fractured or bruised?

there may be swelling, bruising or tenderness around the injured area. you may feel pain when you put weight on the injury, touch it, press it, or move it. the injured part may look deformed – in severe breaks, the broken bone may be poking through the skin.

What's the easiest bone to break in your foot?


The metatarsal bones are some of the most commonly broken (fractured) bones in the foot.

Do they cast a broken foot?

To heal, a broken bone must be immobilized so that its ends can knit back together. In most cases, this requires a cast. Minor foot fractures may only need a removable brace, boot or shoe with a stiff sole. A fractured toe is usually taped to a neighboring toe, with a piece of gauze between them.

Can you break a bone in your foot and not know it?

Broken Foot Symptoms
Usually (but not always) the pain is so bad, that you are not able to walk. Bruising of the foot with a broken bone is also common. Sprains can also cause bad pain, swelling, and bruising, so it is usually not possible to tell if a foot is broken or sprained just by looking at it.

Can you feel bones healing?

Many people who fracture will eventually heal and recover to the point where they no longer experience any pain. However, some people may continue to experience pain long after the fracture and soft tissues have healed. Pain that persists after full healing is expected to have taken place is called chronic pain.

What does a foot fracture feel like?

Initially, a stress fracture will cause just a small, dull pain or a feeling of weakness in the foot. Most runners will not be concerned with this pain and will run through it, causing the injury to worsen. As a stress fracture progresses, the pain becomes sharp, deep and localized.

What is an acute fracture?


A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be divided into two categories: traumatic fractures and stress fractures. Traumatic fractures (also called acute fractures) are caused by a direct blow or impact, such as seriously stubbing your toe. Traumatic fractures can be displaced or nondisplaced.

Is the top of my foot broken or bruised?

If one of the midfoot bones is broken or a tendon is inflamed or torn, it may cause pain, swelling, bruising, and redness on the top of the foot. Midfoot injuries can be caused by accidents, such as a heavy object landing on the foot. Severe injuries and bone fractures may require a cast, physical therapy, or surgery.

Can you walk on a fractured foot?

Until you see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan, you should not walk on a suspected broken foot, because walking on a broken foot too soon could cause more damage to the foot.