Calcanectomy for Treatment of the Infected Os Calcis

Osteomyelitis of the os calcis presents a difficult challenge to the treating physician. Because the condition often occurs in the setting of concurrent medical comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), in adults, conservative treatment options are generally unsuccessful in eradicating the infection and preserving function of the extremity. However, limb-sparing surgery that effects cure of the infection is preferable because of the morbidity associated with amputation. The article presents a historical perspective on the various treatment options of the infected os calcis, the indications and contraindications for calcanectomy, and a description of the operative technique for calcanectomy. Complications and postoperative management, as well as the authors’ patient series results, are also presented.