Two-stage reconstruction of composite soft tissue and bone defects in open fracture of the calcaneus: Case report and literature review

Abstract

The calcaneus has a fundamental role in weight bearing and gait. Open fractures of the calcaneus with complex soft tissue and bone defects represent a reconstructive challenge. Such fractures require specialized care and demand attention despite its low incidence. We report our experience in the management of a 50-year-old man with a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fracture of the right calcaneus complicated with extensive soft tissue defect and chronic osteomyelitis. He had a two-stage reconstruction. The soft tissue defect was reconstructed with an anterolateral thigh flap and the bone defect with a vascularized fibula osteocutaneous flap.