title: Flatfoot and calcaneal deformity secondary to osteomyelitis after neonatal heel puncture.
abstract: Deformity of the calcaneus was observed in three patients who developed osteomyelitis after neonatal heel puncture for newborn blood studies. Septic involvement of the calcaneal apophysis may produce an abnormal and early closure of this growth plate. Progressive deformity of the calcaneus, despite appropriate treatment, develops into an asymptomatic flatfoot. A strictly aseptic technique is mandatory for neonatal puncture of the heel to avoid this unusual complication. An infectious cause of flatfoot is proposed in this report.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital del Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Abril Martin
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Aguilar Rodriguez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Albiñana Cilveti
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001207:Asepsis; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000293:injuries*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D005413:Flatfoot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents