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

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.

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

Conclusions: 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.