Osteomyelitis in children commonly affects long bones such as the femur, tibia, and humerus. There have been relatively few documented studies of osteomyelitis at unusual locations, such as the calcaneus. The objective of this study is to systematically review information on the diagnostic and treatment methods of calcaneal osteomyelitis as well as associated complications. Methods included research database searches using primarily PubMed and EMBASE databases. Results of the review show no clear approach to diagnosis and treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis in children. Clinical presentation of refusal to bear weight was the most common clinical symptom. Magnetic resonance imaging was 100% diagnostic in studies that used this modality, compared with X-rays, which were 14%-71.4% diagnostic. Blood cultures were diagnostic in 27% to 55% of cases, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated in 79% to 97% of cases. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was the most common cultured organism. Treatment involved either antibiotics alone or in combination with surgical debridement/evacuation. Penicillin, penicillin derivatives, cephalosporins, clindamycin, and chloramphenicol were the most commonly used antibiotics, with duration varying from 5 days to 10 weeks. The most common complication was recurrent osteomyelitis.
Levels of evidence: III.
Keywords: calcaneus; children; hematogenous; osteomyelitis.