Diabetic Foot Multiple Plantar Sinus Tracts With Complete Bone Preservation



Problem
A 47-year-old woman with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and morbid obesity presented with diabetic foot complicated by multiple interconnected plantar sinus tracts caused by deep soft-tissue infection. Clinical and intraoperative assessment confirmed that no bone involvement was present, allowing complete soft-tissue treatment without skeletal resection.
Procedure
All sinus tracts were fully laid open and converted into a single wound. Extensive debridement removed all infected and non-viable tissue until healthy, bleeding margins were achieved, while preserving every phalanx and metatarsal because no osseous infection was identified.
Outcome
The wound healed completely within 3.5 months, with complete resolution of infection. All bones were preserved, maintaining the foot’s anatomy and function while avoiding unnecessary bone resection.
This case demonstrates that even extensive plantar sinus tracts do not necessarily require bone resection; meticulous surgical exploration can preserve the entire skeletal architecture when bone viability is maintained.