Chronic Calcaneal Osteomyelitis Research Articles

LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF COMPLEX CALCANEAL OSTEOMYELITIS TREATED WITH MODIFIED GAENSLEN APPROACH

BackgroundThe treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is a challenging and increasing problem because of the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and operative fixation of heel fractures. In 1931, Gaenslen reported treatment of hematogenous calcaneal osteomyelitis by surgical excision through a midline, sagittal plantar incision. We have refined this approach to allow successful healing and early mobilization in a modern series of complex patients with hematogenous, diabetic, and postsurgical osteomyelitis.MethodsTwenty-eight patients (mean age 54.6 years, range 20–94) with Cierny-Mader stage IIIB chronic osteomyelitis were treated with sagittal incision and calcaneal osteotomy, excision of infected bone, and wound closure. All patients received antibiotics for at least 6 weeks, and bone defects were filled with an antibiotic carrier in 20 patients. Patients were followed for a mean of 31 months (SD 25.4). Primary outcome measures were recurrence of calcaneal osteomyelitis and below-knee amputation. Secondary outcome measures included 30-day postoperative mortality and complications, duration of postoperative inpatient stay, footwear adaptions, mobility, and use of walking aids.ResultsAll 28 patients had failed previous medical and surgical treatment. Eighteen patients (64%) had significant comorbidities. The commonest causes of infection were diabetes ± ulceration (11 patients), fracture-related infection (4 patients), pressure ulceration, hematogenous spread, and penetrating soft tissue trauma. The overall recurrence rate of calcaneal osteomyelitis was 18% (5 patients) over the follow-up period, of which 2 patients (7%) required a below-knee amputation. Eighteen patients (64%) had a foot that comfortably fitted into a normal shoe with a custom insole. A further 6 patients (21%) required a custom-made shoe, and only 3 patients required a custom-made boot.ConclusionOur results show that a repurposed Gaenslen calcanectomy is simple, safe, and effective in treating this difficult condition in a patient group with significant local and systemic comorbidities.

A rare case of chronic osteomyelitis of calcaneum: Case report

Calcaneal osteomyelitis accounts for 7% - 8% of all osteomyelitis cases in adults. It is often seen in association with diabetes and other comorbidities. Infection most commonly presents after a traumatic event (Open fractures or following fixation) or in patients with heel ulceration due to prolonged bed rest or lower limb neuropathy or vasculopathy. The diagnosis is primarily based on clinical features such as localized pain, localized swelling, erythema, local rise of temperature, sinus or heel ulceration. Radiological assessment with radiographs and bacteriological analysis can help to confirm the diagnosis. Successful treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis requires infection control, excision of all necrotic bone and soft tissue, dead space management while preserving weight bearing capability with good soft tissue cover. We report one case of 45-year-old male with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis associated with diabetes mellitus treated with sequestrectomy, debridement and G-bone placement.

Long-Term Follow-up of Complex Calcaneal Osteomyelitis Treated With Modified Gaenslen Approach.

The treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is a challenging and increasing problem because of the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and operative fixation of heel fractures. In 1931, Gaenslen reported treatment of hematogenous calcaneal osteomyelitis by surgical excision through a midline, sagittal plantar incision. We have refined this approach to allow successful healing and early mobilization in a modern series of complex patients with hematogenous, diabetic, and postsurgical osteomyelitis. Twenty-eight patients (mean age 54.6 years, range 20-94) with Cierny-Mader stage IIIB chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis were treated with sagittal incision and calcaneal osteotomy, excision of infected bone, and wound closure. All patients received antibiotics for at least 6 weeks, and bone defects were filled with an antibiotic carrier in 20 patients. Patients were followed for a mean of 31 months (SD 25.4). Primary outcome measures were recurrence of calcaneal osteomyelitis and below-knee amputation. Secondary outcome measures included 30-day postoperative mortality and complications, duration of postoperative inpatient stay, footwear adaptions, mobility, and use of walking aids. All 28 patients had failed previous medical and surgical treatment. Eighteen patients (64%) had significant comorbidities. The commonest causes of infection were diabetes ± ulceration (11 patients), fracture-related infection (4 patients), pressure ulceration, hematogenous spread, and penetrating soft tissue trauma. The overall recurrence rate of calcaneal osteomyelitis was 18% (5 patients) over the follow-up period, of which 2 patients (7%) required a below-knee amputation. Eighteen patients (64%) had a foot that comfortably fitted into a normal shoe with a custom insole. A further 6 patients (21%) required a custom-made shoe, and only 3 patients required a custom-made boot. Our results show that a repurposed Gaenslen calcanectomy is simple, safe, and effective in treating this difficult condition in a patient group with significant local and systemic comorbidities. Level III, case series.

Multiple Continuous Y-to-V–Plasties for Excision and Reconstruction of Constriction Band Syndrome: Case Series and Description of Surgical Technique

Many patients with constriction band syndrome will seek treatment to improve limb function and cosmesis. Although several techniques for excision are reported, cosmetic and functional deficits can persist, including hourglass deformity, lymphedema, and inadequate band excision with resultant neurovascular compromise, which may lead to revision surgery, including amputation. The authors present a novel technique that uses multiple continuous opposing Y-to-V-plasties in a single or staged manner to correct extremity constriction bands. Seven patients with 10 involved extremities were included in this retrospective case series. Patient demographics, associated abnormalities, and operative indications were collected from medical records. The primary outcome measures were primary wound healing and release of the constriction band. Secondary outcomes measures were perioperative complications and the need for revision surgery. All patients achieved primary closure with excellent healing in one or two stages. No infections or scar complications occurred, and no revision surgery of the band was required. One patient had mild indentation of scar tissue after their second stage, which improved with scar massage. One patient who had preoperative sciatic compression neuropathy and an insensate foot secondary to band constriction developed chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis requiring a subsequent Syme amputation. Postoperative lymphedema occurred in two patients, which resolved with the use of compression bandages over several weeks. Use of multiple continuous opposing Y-to-V-plasties is a safe and effective technique for adequate constriction band excision without residual hourglass deformity and good functional outcomes for patients with partial or circumferential constriction bands. Therapeutic, IV.

Antibiotic-Impregnated Calcium Sulfate vs. Wound Irrigation-Suction to Treat Chronic Calcaneal Osteomyelitis.

Chronic osteomyelitis of calcaneus is not rare but is very hard to treat. Irrigation-suction and antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate following debridement are commonly used in managing chronic osteomyelitis, but their effects have rarely been compared. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate with irrigation-suction in the treatment of patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis. From January 2011 to June 2018, adult patients at our institute with chronic osteomyelitis receiving treatment of either antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate (CS group) or irrigation-suction (IS group) following thorough debridement were screened and selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The clinical presentation, laboratory tests, complications, and the ultimate single-staged cure rate and recurrence were compared. A total of 61 patients, including 41 in the CS group and 20 in the IS group, were included in our study. Of the patients, 85.4% in the CS group and 60.0% in the IS group (P = .006) were successfully cured in the single stage, respectively, without infection recurrence. Lower infection recurrence rates with shorter hospital stay were found in the CS group than the IS group. Inflammatory biomarkers after surgery with both treatments were slightly decreased and not significantly different from preoperative or between-groups postoperative. Exudate from incision was found primarily in the CS group. This study demonstrates that both antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and irrigation-suction after careful and thorough surgical debridement are generally effective in treating chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis. Antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate achieved a higher single-staged cure rate but was associated with an increased postoperative wound exudate. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Extensive eggshell-like debridement technique plus antibiotic-loaded calcium sulphate for one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis

BackgroundManagement of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is challenging. At present, there is still no widely accepted, simple, and effective surgical method to eradicate the infection and prevent osteomyelitis recurrence. The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes of one-stage treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with a shape-preserving debridement technique combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulphate. MethodsBetween 2012 and 2018, 33 patients (33 limbs) with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis were treated with a novel debridement technique, named “eggshell-like debridement”, plus antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulphate. The infection remission rate, recurrence rate, and amputation rate were analyzed. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score was used to assess postoperative hindfoot function. Results26 patients (81.8%) achieved infection remission without recurrence. In the patients with osteomyelitis remission, pain, limitation of movement, sinus tracts, and typical redness and swelling were generally eliminated. Most of the patients could tolerate full weight-bearing without pain. The average AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score was 88 points (range, 67–100 points), implying the foot function was mostly restored. 6 patients (18.2%) had osteomyelitis recurrence but no amputation was required to elimilate the infection. ConclusionsEggshell-like debridement combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulphate is an effective method for one-stage management of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis. With the application of this technique, secondary autogenous bone or muscle flap grafts are unnecessary. The surgical procedure can be simplified whlie the hindfoot function is well preserved.

Repair of the soft tissue defects combined dead space in lower extremities with the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery chimeric perforator flap

Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of chimeric perforator flap based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery(d-LCFA) for reconstructing the three-dimensional tissue defect in lower extremities. Methods From May, 2008 to June, 2017, 79 cases of soft tissue defects with dead space were repaired by using a d-LCFA chimeric perforator flap, in which 33 cases of car accident trauma, 12 cases of chronic tibial osteomyelitis, 10 cases of plowing machine injury, 9 cases of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis, 6 cases of falling injury, 5 cases of crushing injury, 3 cases of spoke injury, and 1 case of suppurative knee arthritis. These patients were accompany with different degrees of infection and dead space after radical debridement. The dead cavity was filled by muscular flap, and perforator flap covered the superficial wound. Recording the flap’s appearance, color, texture, osteomyelitis recurrence and the patient’s knee extension at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months followed-up. Results Seventy-five flaps survived without complications, and the donor sites were closed directly. All patients had no postoperative hematoma or secondary infection. Vascular crisis occurred in 2 days after the operation in 4 flaps, 1 flap had an arterial crisis on the second-postoperative-day, and the flap was necrotic after surgical exploration. The deep circumflex iliac artery chimeric perforator flap was used for repairing. Three flaps with venous crisis during 48 h after operation, in which 2 flaps survived eventually after surgical exploration, and another flap was necrosis and repaired by skin graft. The followed-up periods ranged from 3 months to 30 months(mean, 9.7 months). All flaps had satisfied with appearance and texture. There were no osteomyelitis recurrence and any ranges of motion limitations in the hip and knee joints of the operated leg. Conclusion The chimeric perforator flap with d-LCFA merely anastomosed 1 group vascular pedicle can make the dead space be filled and cover the superficial wound simultaneously. It is an ideal option for reconstructing the skin defect with dead space in lower extremity, which can improve the quality of restoration of recipient site and reduce the damage of donor site. Key words: Lateral circumflex femoral artery, descending branch; Chimeric flap; Perforator flap; Dead space; Lower limb; Microsurgical technique

A case of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis using antibiotics by bone marrow feeding and neurocutaneous flap

A case of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis using antibiotics by bone marrow feeding and neurocutaneous flap

One-Stage Treatment of Chronic Calcaneal Osteomyelitis with Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 and Local Antibiotic Delivery in a Cat

An age-unknown, 4.8 kg, male, wild, domestic short-hair cat was presented for left hindlimb lameness. A physical examination revealed a draining tract which was suspected of bite on left calcaneal bone. The left tarsal joint was markedly swollen and exudates were observed around the draining tract. Sequestrum at left calcaneus bone, and osteolysis were identified by radiography. The sequestrum and its surrounding exudative tissue were debrided during surgery and the tissue was submitted for bacterial culture and sensitivity test. The debridement caused a bone defect (1.5 cm × 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm) on the medial left calcaneal bone. Plate and screw fixation was performed to the calcaneus bone as buttress plate. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) loaded hydroxyapatite was implanted in the bone defect. Furthermore, Amikacin-impregnated collagen sponges were also placed around bone plate to deliver local antibiotics. A systemic antibiotic treatment regimen based on bacterial culture and sensitivity test results was administered for 4 weeks. The wound properly healed without any signs of infection, and the bone healing was confirmed by radiography. The patient showed normal weight bearing ambulation at 18 weeks after surgery. The use of rhBMP-2 and local antibiotic delivery system is a good surgical option for the one-stage treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.

Comparison of Bone Preserving and Radical Surgical Treatment in 32 Cases of Calcaneal Osteomyelitis.

Introduction. Radical procedures like calcanectomy and amputation performed for calcaneal osteomyelitis are regarded as effective in eradication of infection even though potentially functionally disabling. Bone sparing procedures offer better functional result at the expense of potentially worse infection control. The aim of the study has been to assess the influence of the surgical radicalism as much as the extent of bone infection on the final outcome in the surgical therapy of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis (CO). Material and method. 32 patients with chronic CO have comprised the group under study: 8 with superficial type, 12 localised type and 12 with diffuse type according to Cierny-Mader classification. The aim of the treatment was to heal infection, preserve the heel shape and achieve good skin coverage over the calcaneus. The therapy consisted of 9 debridement surgeries with or without flaps, 8 drilling-operations of the calcaneus with application of collagen-gentamicin-sponge in bore holes, 15 partial and 2 total calcanectomies, and 4 below-the knee amputations. Results. The healing of infection and wound has been achieved after 7 of 9 debridements, 6 of 8 drilling-operations, 13 of 15 partial and all total calcanectomies. Conclusion. Bone preserving operations in chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis provided inferior infection control (76,47% vs 88,24%) and worse patient satisfaction (88,24% vs 100%) and almost camparable ambulation (100% vs 93,33%). Drilling of the calcaneus with application of collagen sponge containing gentamicin performed in chronic diffuse calcaneal osteomyelitis seems to offer a viable alternative to partial or radical calcanectomy. Level of evidence: V.

A "hybrid" sural flap for treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.

The treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis remains a challenge for orthopedic and plastic surgeons. The basis of surgical therapy includes thorough debridement of infected tissue and reconstruction with well-vascularized flaps. A "hybrid" sural flap composed of an adiponeurofascial flap proximally and a neurofasciocutaneous flap distally is described here. The adiponeurofascial flap was used to obliterate the bone cavity, and the distal part was used to resurface soft tissue defects. Five patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis were treated with this modified sural flap. The size of the adiponeurofascial flap ranged from 5.0 × 4.0 cm to 13.0 × 5.0 cm, and that of the neurofasciocutaneous flap ranged from 6.5 × 3.0 cm to 6.0 × 8.0 cm. The donor defects were covered with skin grafts in three patients and closed primarily in two patients. All the flaps survived completely without any complications, the skin graft and the skin over the adiponeurofascial flap healed uneventfully. There was no evidence of recurrent infection during the follow-up period. The modified "hybrid" sural flap is simple and reliable and is a good candidate for treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.

A Modified Free Muscle Transfer Technique to Effectively Treat Chronic and Persistent Calcaneal Osteomyelitis

A Modified Free Muscle Transfer Technique to Effectively Treat Chronic and Persistent Calcaneal Osteomyelitis

A Modified Free Muscle Transfer Technique to Effectively Treat Chronic and Persistent Calcaneal Osteomyelitis

Successful management of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis presents a major challenge for the plastic and reconstructive surgeon, especially in cases involving soft-tissue defects. This article describes a modified free muscle transfer technique to effectively eradicate chronic and persistent calcaneal osteomyelitis. Between February 2009 and September 2009, 3 male patients with persistent calcaneal osteomyelitis were treated in our clinic. All 3 had purulent drainage for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 23 years. Multiple surgical debridements and vacuum-assisted closure had been used in the past, but the infection remained. We used a therapeutic protocol of repeated and radical surgical debridement with removal of nearly all cancellous bone and preservation of the cortical shell of the calcaneus. After the final debridement, the bone cavity was plugged by a free gracilis muscle flap from the contralateral side. A meshed split thickness skin graft was applied. Culture-specific antibiotics were administered for 2 weeks. All flaps healed uneventfully except for a minor hematoma that was treated conservatively. All 3 patients were able to return to ambulatory status with regular foot apparel. At last follow-up evaluation, they had no clinical, laboratory, or radiologic signs of osteomyelitis. This modified free muscle transfer technique seems to be successful in managing chronic and persistent calcaneal osteomyelitis. Infected and healthy cancellous bone of the calcaneus is removed to eradicate all possible foci that maintain inflammation. The resulting bony defect after the aggressive surgical debridement is sufficiently filled with a well-vascularized muscle that ensures a good wound healing. We consider this method to be a promising treatment option, which needs to be supported by further cases.

Chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis associated with soft‐tissue defect could be successfully treated with platelet‐rich plasma: a case report

Chronic osteomyelitis associated with soft-tissue defect following surgical management is a severe complication for orthopaedic surgeons. Traditionally, the treatment protocol for the notorious complication involved thorough debridement, bone grafting, long-term antibiotic use and flap surgery. Alternatively, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a high concentration of platelets collected via centrifugation, has been successfully used as an adjuvant treatment for bone and soft-tissue infection in medical practices. PRP has numerous significant advantages, including stypsis, inflammation remission and reducing the amount of infected fluid. It increases bone and soft-tissue healing and allows fewer opportunities for transplant rejection. Through many years of studies showing the advantages of PRP, it has become preferred organic product for the clinical treatment of infections, especially for chronic osteomyelitis associated with soft-tissue defect. To promote the clinical use of this simple and efficacious technique in trauma, we report the case of a patient with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis associated with soft-tissue defect that healed uneventfully with PRP.

Chronic haematogenous osteomyelitis in children

We present a retrospective review of 167 patients aged 18 years and under who were treated for chronic haematogenous osteomyelitis at our elective orthopaedic hospital in Malawi over a period of four years. The median age at presentation was eight years (1 to 18). There were 239 hospital admissions for treatment during the period of the study. In 117 patients one admission was necessary, in 35 two, and in 15 more than two. A surgical strategy of infection control followed by reconstruction and stabilisation was employed, based on the Beit CURE radiological classification of chronic haematogenous osteomyelitis as a guide to treatment. At a minimum follow-up of one year after the end of the study none of the patients had returned to our hospital with recurrent infection. A total of 350 operations were performed on the 167 patients. This represented 6.7% of all children's operations performed in our hospital during this period. One operation only was required in 110 patients and none required more than three. Below-knee amputation was performed in two patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis as the best surgical option for function. The most common organism cultured from operative specimens was Staphylococcus aureus, and the tibia was the bone most commonly affected. Polyostotic osteomyelitis occurred in four patients. We believe this is the largest reported series of patients treated for chronic haematogenous osteomyelitis.

Treatment of Calcaneal Osteomyelitis with Free Serratus Anterior Muscle Flap Transfer

Chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is a difficult problem to eradicate. The infected bone and soft tissue can rarely be successfully treated conservatively. But after aggressive debridement, there is usually a large defect in the calcaneus and soft tissue. Free serratus anterior muscle flap can not only fill the defect but can help eliminate the infection of the bone and soft tissue. Thirteen patients with calcaneal osteomyelitis were treated with free serratus anterior muscle flap transfer and skin graft from 2000 to 2006. The mean patient age was 36 (range, 18 to 48) years. Four patients were women and nine were men. The followup averaged 34 months (range, 6 months to 6 years). All flaps survived and there was no infection recurrence. The mean operation time was 6.3 +/- 1.3 hours. Partial skin graft necrosis was found in one patient, which resolved uneventfully after another skin graft. There was minimal donor site morbidity. Winged scapula or dysfunction of the shoulder was not found in any of the patients. The serratus anterior muscle has many advantages owing to its anatomical features. We believe it is a good option for treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis.

The split-heel technique in the management of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis in children

The split-heel technique has distinct advantages over the conventional medial or lateral approach in the operative debridement of extensive and predominantly plantar chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis in children above 5 years of age. We report three cases (age 5.5-11 years old) of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis in children treated using the split-heel approach with 3-10 years follow-up showing excellent functional and cosmetic results.

Calcium Sulphate Delivery System with Tobramycin for the Treatment of Chronic Calcaneal Osteomyelitis

The case of a 24-year-old woman with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is presented. Extensive debridement of the necrotic bone and application of tobramycin-loaded polymethylmethacrylate beads was performed and ciprofloxacin was given post-operatively. Three months later, laboratory tests, including complete blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, were normal. At this time, extensive surgical debridement and filling of the osseous defect with autologous iliac cancellous bone graft and tobramycin-impregnated calcium sulphate pellets and paste were performed. Oral ciprofloxacin was administered for 3 months after surgery. At the latest follow-up, 2 years later, the patient had full weight-bearing function; there was no recurrence of the infection, and complete incorporation of the autologous bone and calcium sulphate graft with the host bone was observed. This case demonstrates that two-stage surgical treatment with extensive debridement and tobramycin-impregnated calcium sulphate was effective in treating chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.

Treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis following internal fixation for calcaneal fractures

目的 探讨跟骨骨折内固定术后慢性跟骨骨髓炎伴溃疡或皮肤缺损的治疗方法及疗效评估.方法 1999年2月～2005年6月收治跟骨骨折内固定术后慢性跟骨骨髓炎伴溃疡或皮肤缺损17例患者采用清除病灶,根据死腔部位及大小选择设计不同的带血管蒂肌皮瓣或皮瓣填充覆盖,一期消灭死腔,改善局部血运,覆盖创面,并于皮瓣覆盖的上、下部分别将冲洗及引流管置入原死腔部位进行持续冲洗治疗.结果 全部患者获得3个月～3年(平均25个月)的随访,术后移植组织全部成活,骨髓炎无复发,足跟部皮瓣外形良好,13例感觉恢复好,耐磨擦能力尚可,能够负重.结论 组织移植并持续冲洗的治疗方法具有手术操作简单、供区损伤小、成功率高和疗效好等优点,是治疗跟骨骨折内固定术后慢性跟骨骨髓炎伴溃疡或皮肤缺损的理想方法。

Distally Based Sural Fasciomusculocutaneous Flap for Chronic Calcaneal Osteomyelitis in Diabetic Patients

Chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis is a difficult surgical problem, especially in diabetic patients. After aggressive surgical eradication of nonviable soft tissue and infected bone, there will be a large soft-tissue and bony defect. A distally based sural fasciomusculocutaneous flap including the sural nerve and a midline cuff of the gastrocnemius muscle can be useful for covering the defect. This flap is designed on the proximal half of the posterior calf and has an adequate blood supply derived from retrograde perfusion of the vascular axis of the sural nerve to the musculocutaneous perforators of the gastrocnemius muscle. The patency of the peroneal artery should be confirmed by Doppler ultrasound or angiography before surgery. If there are any vascular problems, this flap will not be used to avoid complications resulting from poor flap circulation. This approach has been used for 11 diabetic patients in the past 2 years. All flaps survived completely and all wounds healed uneventfully. The authors found that the flap was reliable and technically simple to design and execute. This 1-stage procedure not only preserves the major arteries of the injured leg but has also proved valuable for filling bony defect and treating bony infection because it provides a well-vascularized muscle fragment. Compared with other tissue transfers, this flap has special characteristics for use on diabetic patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.