Gentamicin-permeated cement to sustain mechanical support for the treatment of a chronic calcaneal abscess. A case report.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE:

Chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is a challenging condition associated with high relapse rates, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and various therapeutic options for effective management. We report a very rare case of a pyogenic osteomyelitis of the os calcis presented as a bone abscess.

CASE PRESENTATION:

A diabetic male patient presented with chronic osteomyelitis of the calcaneus in the form of bone abscess with a cavity of 6*5 cm. After pus evacuation and debridement of the cavity, gentamycin-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate cement was used to locally assist in controlling the infection and to assure mechanical support. Antibiogram-based oral antibiotic was administrated for 6 weeks. At final follow-up, the patient could walk without any assistance and was able to raise his body on the operated heel, with no signs of infection.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION:

This case illustrates successful conservative surgical treatment of calcaneal abscess using antibiotic-impregnated cement for mechanical support and local infection control.

CONCLUSION:

Incorporating antibiotic-impregnated cement into conservative foot surgeries for deeply embedded calcaneal abscesses provides effective infection control, mechanical support, and functional preservation, leading to successful treatment outcomes.

• Authors: Kaissar Yammine, Bilal Alqaysi, Jad Mansour, Joeffroy Otayek, Jimmy Daher, Chahine Assi
• Journal: International journal of surgery case reports (Int J Surg Case Rep) Vol. 111 Pg. 108846 (Oct 2023) ISSN: 2210-2612 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 37729823 (Publication Type: Case Reports)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.