Staged Surgical Management of Chronic Calcaneal Osteomyelitis with Achilles Tendon Loss: A Case Report.

CASE: Chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis involving the Achilles tendon is rare. A 50-year-old man presented with a nonhealing posterior heel wound and persistent discharge after multiple surgeries, resulting in complete tendon loss. Imaging confirmed osteomyelitis. He underwent staged management with radical debridement and antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads, followed by removal. No further reconstruction of the Achilles tendon was performed, yet the patient had restored plantarflexion and functional gait.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive debridement and staged local antibiotics are essential. Functional ambulation can be preserved despite Achilles tendon loss, supporting limb salvage as the primary goal.