Treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis following internal fixation for calcaneal fractures

Objective To study the treatment of the chronic calcaneus osteomyelitis combined with skin ulcers or defects of the posterior heel following internal fixation for calcaneal fractures.Methods From February 1999 to June 2005,17 cases of calcaneus osteomyelitis combined with skin ulcers or defects following internal fix- ation for their calcaneal fractures were treated with elimination of infection focuses and dead spaces,tissue trans- plants and continuous irrigation.Skin flaps or myocutaneous flaps were used to repair heel ulcers or defects and to fill the dead spaces.Drainage and irrigation tubes were placed into the flap covered areas to carry out the continuous irrigation.Results All the cases were followed up for 3 to 36 months(mean,25 months).All the grafts survived without recurrence of calcaneus osteomyelitis.Their posterior heels regained fair appearance.Thirteen cases obtained fine sensory recovery and friction tolerance and could walk with weight-bearing.Conclusion Calcaneus os- teomyelitis can be cured by simply and effectively tissue transplants and continuous irrigation,which can provide adequate anti-infection and improve blood circulation.