Calcanectomy: Avoiding major amputation in the presence of calcaneal osteomyelitis—A case series

BackgroundCalcaneal osteomyelitis is a surgical diagnosis that may be treated by local, resection or major amputation.ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of calcanectomy for treating calcaneal osteomyelitis.MethodWe conducted a retrospective review of patients receiving calcanectomy between 1st April 2005 and 1st October 2011 for calcaneal osteomyelitis. We reviewed these cases to determine healing, rate, microbiological analysis, length of stay, limb salvage rate and survival rate.ResultsThere were 10 patients included in this review. There were 7 with diabetes and 3 without.Mean age of group with diabetes was 64 years, of this group 5/7 healed at a mean of 64 days. Mean length of stay for this group was 49.3 ± 39.4 days. 2 patients required a transtibial amputation. Mean age of group without diabetes was 77 years, healing at a mean of 19 days. Mean length of stay for this group was 14 ± 16.8 days and all survived over 3 years. Microbiological analysis of suspected osteomyelitic bone typically isolated >4 organisms.ConclusionsCalcanectomy is a useful procedure for limb salvage. It may reduce morbidity rates for people with calcaneal osteomyelitis, those with diabetes can expect prolonged wound healing and longer length of stay.