Infected open calcaneal fractures - A delayed reconstruction technique using calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite antibiotic elucidating void filler

M Sykes; E Kisson; I Reichert; V Rose; R Ahluwalia

doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2020.03.017

Infected open calcaneal fractures - A delayed reconstruction technique using calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite antibiotic elucidating void filler

J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020 May-Jun;11(3):462-466. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.03.017. Epub 2020 Mar 31.

Authors

M Sykes¹, E Kisson¹, I Reichert¹, V Rose², R Ahluwalia¹

Affiliations

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.

Keywords: Bone graft; Calcium sulphate and hydroxyapatite; Case report; Open calcaneal fractures; Techniques for bone loss.

Publication types

Review