A rare case of chronic osteomyelitis of calcaneum: Case report

Abstract

Calcaneal osteomyelitis accounts for 7% - 8% of all osteomyelitis cases in adults. It is often seen in association with diabetes and other comorbidities. Infection most commonly presents after a traumatic event (Open fractures or following fixation) or in patients with heel ulceration due to prolonged bed rest or lower limb neuropathy or vasculopathy. The diagnosis is primarily based on clinical features such as localized pain, localized swelling, erythema, local rise of temperature, sinus or heel ulceration. Radiological assessment with radiographs and bacteriological analysis can help to confirm the diagnosis. Successful treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis requires infection control, excision of all necrotic bone and soft tissue, dead space management while preserving weight bearing capability with good soft tissue cover. We report one case of 45-year-old male with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis associated with diabetes mellitus treated with sequestrectomy, debridement and G-bone placement.