Most fractures of the anterior process of the calcaneus are successfully
treated with cast immobilization. Eighteen of the twenty-five patients in
this study were so treated successfully, although their symptoms persisted
for variable periods after removal of the cast. Seven of the twenty-five
patients had excision of the fracture fragment, two of whom were not
relieved of their symptoms after excision. Both of these patients had had a
missed diagnosis and no prior treatment of a fracture that had gone on to
non-union. This suggests that the correct initial diagnosis and treatment
are important, particularly if the fracture fragment is large, and that
early excision of the fragment is usually not necessary or advisable.