Open Lisfranc Amputation for Extensive Forefoot Osteomyelitis

Clinical presentation, surgical treatment and documented healing.

01 / Problem: Clinical presentation
02 / Procedure: Surgical approach
03 / Outcome: Healing & follow-up

Clinical photographs below include wounds and surgical treatment.

01 / CLINICAL PRESENTATION

Problem

A 76-year-old man with type 2 diabetes was referred to our unit after previous amputation of the first and second rays at another hospital. He presented with a chronic plantar ulcer complicated by osteomyelitis of the fourth and fifth metatarsals, with extensive soft-tissue infection threatening further proximal spread and increasing the risk of major amputation.

Open Lisfranc Amputation for Extensive Forefoot Osteomyelitis before image — Problem

02 / SURGICAL APPROACH

Procedure

The patient underwent a Lisfranc amputation, removing all infected bone and non-viable soft tissue until healthy margins were achieved. Because of the severity of the infection, the wound was intentionally left open rather than closed primarily, allowing adequate drainage and complete local infection control. Healing was planned by secondary intention, prioritizing eradication of the infection over immediate wound closure.

03 / HEALING & FOLLOW-UP

Outcome

The wound healed completely over approximately three months, without recurrent infection or the need for further proximal amputation.

This approach preserved a functional residual foot suitable for ambulation with customized therapeutic footwear, demonstrating that even advanced forefoot osteomyelitis can often be managed successfully with a well-planned limb-salvage strategy.