Heel Bone Total and Subtotal Defects Restoration in Patients with Osteomyelitis by means of Individual 3D Implants

Introduction. Total and subtotal defects of the heel bone is a complicated and actual problem in the modern traumatology, and they do not have an unique solution. But the more complicated task is treatment of patients with defects associated with distal neuropathy complicated by chronical infection.

Objective. Asses the efficiency of the heel bone total and subtotal defects restoration using endoprosthesis, which is made based on the 3D CT reconstruction study, in patients with distal neuropathy accompanied by infectious complications and soft tissue defects.

Materials and methods. In 2022–2023, three patients with heel bone osteomyelitis associated with diabetes mellitus and distal neuropathy have been treated by stages; and one patient with total defect of the heel bone and contact osteomyelitis after a motorcycle accident. As a result, all patients had the individual titanium 3D implants set. Follow-up period after treatment completion is more than 1.5 years.

Conclusion. Application of individual 3D implants made of porous titanium in patients with distal neuropathy complicated by an infectious process is the easiest to use method for tissue replacement in place of the developed defects; also it is useful for a single-stage rearfoot restoration and to restore the support ability of extremity; it may be used as an alternative to the previously used treatment methods.

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