M Sykes1, E Kisson1, I Reichert1, V Rose2, R Ahluwalia1. 1. Department of Orthopaedics, King's College Hospital, London, UK. 2. Departemnt of Plastic Surgery, Guy's & St Thomas's Hospital, London, UK.
Abstract
Treating open calcaneal fractures remains challenging, particularly when involving bone loss and infection. CASE: We present the case of a 25-year-old woman who sustained an open AO 83-C2 calcaneal fracture with subsequent necrosis and presumed infection. Superseding necrosis and bone loss complicated the plan for definitive fixation. Residual bone was stabilised with Kirshner-wires and the void filled with a calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, facilitating delayed surgical reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Using calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, as part of a 2-stage process represents a strategy in the treatment of complex calcaneal fractures with possible infection, and bone and soft tissue loss. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.
Treating open calcaneal fractures remains challenging, particularly when involving bone loss and infection. CASE: We present the case of a 25-year-old woman who sustained an open AO 83-C2 calcaneal fracture with subsequent necrosis and presumed infection. Superseding necrosis and bone loss complicated the plan for definitive fixation. Residual bone was stabilised with Kirshner-wires and the void filled with a calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, facilitating delayed surgical reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Using calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite spacer, as part of a 2-stage process represents a strategy in the treatment of complex calcaneal fractures with possible infection, and bone and soft tissue loss. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.