Erdmann MW, Richardson J, Templeton J.
Os calcis fracture: a randomized trial comparing conservative treatment with
impulse compression of the foot.
Injury 1992;23(5):305-7

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary,
Stoke-on-Trent, UK.

Published data suggest that soft tissue involvement plays a role in the aetiology
of residual symptoms following fractures of the os calcis. This randomized study
involved 23 patients with 24 intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum. It was
designed to evaluate the efficacy of a pneumatic plantar impulse device in
reducing pain, associated morbidity and convalescent time. The results show a
significant improvement in subtalar range of movement in the pumped group at 3
months, with pain significantly reduced at 6 months and at 1 year. There was no
difference in weight bearing or walking distance between the pumped and control
groups. The time from date of injury to return to work was significantly reduced
in the pumped group by an average of 3 months.