Bilateral total calcanectomy for chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis: A case report

Chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis represents a complex surgical challenge due to poor soft-tissue coverage, limited vascularity, and the weight-bearing function of the heel. While below-knee amputation has traditionally been considered the definitive treatment, calcanectomy offers a limb-salvage alternative in selected patients. Bilateral total calcanectomy is exceedingly rare, and functional outcomes remain uncertain. We report a case of bilateral total calcanectomy performed for chronic polymicrobial calcaneal osteomyelitis in a 66-year-old woman. At 24-month follow-up, infection eradication, complete pain relief, and independent ambulation with custom orthopedic footwear were achieved. Our case highlights that bilateral total calcanectomy may result in satisfactory functional outcomes in selected patients.