Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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Fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity, although rare, present a challenge for the treating surgeon. The goal of treatment is restoration of function of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex and the Achilles tendon. These fractures often occur in diabetics and elderly osteoporotic patients and therefore fixation of the displaced fragment is difficult. ⋯ Often, the fragment is a small shell of osteoporotic bone, which is less than optimal for bony fixation. We present our technique for surgical fixation of calcaneal tuberosity fractures using a suture placed through bone tunnels in the calcaneal body. This technique is used by itself for smaller fragments or supplemented with screw fixation for larger fragments.