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

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: 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. CASE PRESENTATION: 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. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: This case illustrates successful conservative surgical treatment of calcaneal abscess using antibiotic-impregnated cement for mechanical support and local infection control. CONCLUSION: 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.