| A 52-year-old female patient develops heel pain while doing a 20-mile charity walk. She is diagnosed with a calcaneal stress fracture. Which of the following treatments are appropriate? |
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- Open reduction and internal fixation of the calcaneus This would be indicated in certain displaced acute fractures.
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- Immobilization in a controlled ankle motion (CAM) boot Calcaneal stress fractures should be treated with immobilization in a CAM boot.
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- Placement of a long-leg cast The use of a long-leg cast would be excessive and impose unnecessary risks (e.g., deep vein thrombosis).
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- Use of a bone stimulator While this may be indicated for delayed or nonunions, it is not necessary for the primary treatment of a calcaneal stress fracture, especially in a healthy individual.