Injuries of the hindfoot.

Although the long term prognosis for many injuries of the hind foot is poor, prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to a satisfactory result. Failure to treat these injuries promptly can lead to circulatory problems and skin necrosis. Stiffness and post-traumatic arthritis may occur despite adequate treatment due to the complex anatomy of the region. With the exception of certain rare fractures of the os calcis, displaced fractures of the talar neck and body and fracture-dislocations, injuries in this region of the foot heal best after closed treatment and early mobilization of the ankle and foot. Associated bodily injuries elsewhere, particularly those involving the spine, ankle, and tarsometatarsal joints should be anticipated in extensive injuries of the hind foot.