Retrocalcaneal septic bursitis as a complication of a delayed‐healing heel wound

Eric Gomez,Ivan Chernev,David Stuart

doi:10.1099/jmmcr.0.000031

Eric Gomez, Ivan Chernev + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1099/jmmcr.0.000031

Copy DOI

Abstract

Introduction: Bursitis may arise from non‐infectious and infectious aetiologies. Clinically, distinguishing one from the other can be challenging. Aseptic retrocalcaneal bursitis is a common disorder among athletes and physically active people. In contrast, infectious (septic) bursitis, although a common diagnosis in the olecranon and prepatellar bursa, has rarely been reported in the retrocalcaneal bursa. Case presentation: Here, we present an unusual case of retrocalcaneal septic bursitis as a complication of a delayed‐healing heel wound in a patient with underlying calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy and aseptic retrocalcaneal bursitis. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of this clinical entity as a possible complication of a heel wound and initiate appropriate management if an infectious process is suspected.

Highlights

Bursitis may arise from non-infectious and infectious aetiologies
Aseptic retrocalcaneal bursitis is a common disorder among athletes and physically active people
We present an unusual case of retrocalcaneal septic bursitis as a complication of a delayed-healing heel wound in a patient with underlying calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy and aseptic retrocalcaneal bursitis

Summary

Introduction

Aseptic retrocalcaneal bursitis is a common disorder among athletes and physically active people It is usually associated with insertional Achilles tendinopathy and is commonly called Haglund’s syndrome (van Dijk et al, 2011). A 58-year-old obese woman (body mass index 37.9) with a previous medical history of hypothyroidism presented to her primary care physician with complaints of right heel pain and swelling around the insertion of the Achilles tendon for 1 month. She had recently started an exercise regimen for weight loss. Samuel et al (2011) Samuel et al (2011) Abdelwahab et al (2005) Harwell et al (2001) This case

Conclusion

Surgical procedure

Discussion