Case report shows successful functional ambulation despite complete Achilles tendon loss, indicating effective management.
CASE: Chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis involving the Achilles tendon is rare. A 50-year-old man presented with a nonhealing posterior heel wound and persistent discharge after multiple surgeries, resulting in complete tendon loss. Imaging confirmed osteomyelitis. He underwent staged management with radical debridement and antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads, followed by removal. No further reconstruction of the Achilles tendon was performed, yet the patient had restored plantarflexion and functional gait. CONCLUSION: Aggressive debridement and staged local antibiotics are essential. Functional ambulation can be preserved despite Achilles tendon loss, supporting limb salvage as the primary goal.
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Luthfi et al. (2026) studied this question.
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