The split-heel technique in the management of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis in children.

The split-heel technique has distinct advantages over the conventional medial or lateral approach in the operative debridement of extensive and predominantly plantar chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis in children above 5 years of age. We report three cases (age 5.5-11 years old) of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis in children treated using the split-heel approach with 3-10 years follow-up showing excellent functional and cosmetic results.