Successful Management of Open Calcaneum Fractures With Composite Bone and Soft Tissue Loss

Case: We report three male patients, ages 20, 22, and 54 years, who sustained open calcaneus fractures following a road traffic accident with a major composite bone and soft tissue loss salvaged successfully, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Wound debridement and an ankle-spanning external fixator were initially applied, followed by a free microvascular flap cover. After the flap healed, the ankle joint was fused and spanned with bridge plating. All 3 cases achieved fusion with foot plantigrade with a mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of 76. Conclusion: A combined orthoplastic approach in 3 stages is a good salvage option in complex calcaneal fractures.