Row Classification of Calcaneal Fractures

Row Classification of Calcaneal Fractures

• Row classification is used for calcaneal fractures.
• Mnemonic: Rowers on the screen to help remember the Row classification.
• Key:
  • 1 = Small
  • 2 = Posterior
  • 3 = Body
  • 4 = Intra-articular (more extensive fractures)

Class 1: Small Fractures

• 1A: Medial process of the calcaneus.
• 1B: Sustentaculum tali.
• 1C: Anterior process of the calcaneus.

Class 2: Posterior Fractures

• 2A: Fracture of the posterior superior calcaneal process (less severe).
• 2B: Avulsion fracture of the posterior beak with involvement of the Achilles tendon (more severe).

Class 3: Body Fractures

• Extra-articular fracture through the body of the calcaneus.
• Oriented perpendicularly to Class 2 fractures.

Classes 4 & 5: Intra-articular Body Fractures

• 4: Intra-articular fracture through the body of the calcaneus without joint depression.
• 5: Intra-articular fracture through the body of the calcaneus with joint depression.

Essex-Lopresti Classification

• Another classification system for calcaneal fractures, also utilizing types 4 and 5.
• Recommendation: Use Essex-Lopresti classification for type 4 or 5 fractures instead of Row classification.
• Row classification is primarily relevant for types 1, 2, and 3.