Treatment for Calcaneal Osteomyelitis with Pseudoarthrosis with a Vascularized Fibula Bone Graft and Autologous Cancellous Bone Graft: A Case Report

Abstract

Calcaneal osteomyelitis with pseudarthrosis after calcaneal fracture is rare, and its treatment is challenging. We describe the use of a free fibular osteocutaneous flap to treat a 52-year-old man who presented with calcaneal osteomyelitis and pseudarthrosis after an operation for a closed comminuted fracture. The patient was previously treated with multiple surgeries and antibiotics for 8 months, but he was not cured. We performed radical osteomyelitis bone debridement and reconstruction with a free fibular osteocutaneous flap and autotrabecular bone grafting from the iliac crest. The skin flap survived, and rehabilitation was initiated early. At 2 years postoperatively, his pain and ambulatory function had markedly improved, and he could walk without problems in daily life. Free fibular osteocutaneous flap and autogenous cancellous bone grafting are considered practical options for the treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis with pseudarthrosis.

Keywords

• osteomyelitis
• calcaneus fracture
• pseudarthrosis
• free fibular osteocutaneous flap
• reconstruction