F. del Piñal, F. Herrero and A. Cruz
Private Hand and Plastic-Reconstructive Surgery, Santander, Spain

British Journal of Plastic Surgery (1999), 52, 415–417 © 1999 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons

SUMMARY. Osteomyelitis of the os calcis challenges the reconstructive surgeon. We present the case of a patient in which massive medullary osteomyelitis of the calcaneus was treated with a technique that preserves the bone shape. The medullary cavity of the bone was first emptied, preserving the cortical shell. Then a free muscle flap was used to fill up the dead space. Three months later autologous bone grafts were packed into the cavity.

Full weight-bearing was commenced 4 months after this procedure. In the latest follow-up, 21/2 years, the patient has had no recurrence or difficulty with walking.