Treatment Options

Treatment in the emergency department (ED) should follow local protocols, if available. If no protocol exists, treatment should be as follows:

• Analgesia, if required
• If there is any doubt about whether the fracture involves the subtalar joint, a CT may be requested
• If it is a displaced fracture, refer for an orthopaedic opinion

Undisplaced extra-articular fractures can be treated with:

• Support bandage (e.g. wool and crepe) or below knee plaster of Paris (POP). It would be expected that patients would regain movement faster without plaster of Paris but there is no evidence for this [2]
• Crutches
• Advice on elevation
• Referral to fracture clinic for follow-up