Partial calcanectomy: A procedure to cherish or to reject?
BACKGROUND
Large ulcers on the heel often lead to major amputations. When a conservative treatment fails, a partial or subtotal calcanectomy is a possible treatment option.


METHODS
24 Patients were evaluated regarding limb salvage and infection eradication. Fourteen of these completed a questionnaire regarding functional outcome and satisfaction.


RESULTS
Only 1 of 24 patients needed a below-knee amputation. Three patients did not heal and still have minor drainage of the wounds. However, hospital stay was long and in many cases additional surgery was necessary. Recurrences are seen, especially in patients with impaired sensation of the foot. In the fourteen patients who completed the questionnaire, pain was not a major problem. Many patients use orthotics and external support. The majority, however, is satisfied with the procedure and would consider the same treatment again.


CONCLUSIONS
Calcanectomy still has a place in the treatment of osteitis of the calcaneus.
Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Leuven, Weligerveld 1, B-3210 Pellenberg, Belgium. annevanriet@live.be
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Van Riet
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Harake
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Stuyck
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D055815:Young Adult