Limb salvage surgery for calcaneal chondrosarcoma: A case report

Abstract

Background: Limb salvage surgery for calcaneal sarcomas remains challenging due to its poor compartmentalization. While below-knee amputation is still the standard choice of operative treatment, total calcanectomy with or without reconstruction was advocated. This report aims to analyze the clinical outcome of calcaneal reconstruction with cement and replantation in situ after the inactivation of tumor. Methods: We describe a 73-year-old male patient who suffered chronic pain and increasingly larger neoplasm in the left foot for about 3 years. Based on the results of percutaneous biopsy, a diagnosis of chondrosarcoma was made. Results: The patient underwent total calcanectomy, inactivation of calcaneus tumor, and reconstruction with cement. The Achilles tendon was detached through a Cincinnati incision. No adverse events occurred both during and after the surgery. At the last follow-up of 29 months, the patient claimed no pain, no evident limp, or any limitation of daily activities. Image examination, weight-bearing test, and MSTS score revealed a satisfactory result. Conclusion: Calcaneal reconstruction with bone cement after total calcanectomy, inactivation of calcaneus tumor, and replantation in situ is likely to provide a feasible surgical choice and a satisfactory clinical outcome.