Hallux Osteomyelitis Treated with Phalangeal Resection and Toe Preservation

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 54-year-old man with diabetes presented with hallux osteomyelitis associated with a draining sinus tract. Infection involved the phalanges of the great toe, placing the hallux at risk of amputation.

Hallux Osteomyelitis Treated with Phalangeal Resection and Toe Preservation before image — Problem

02 / SURGICAL APPROACH

Procedure

Radical surgical debridement with resection of the infected phalanges was performed while preserving the soft-tissue envelope of the hallux. The wound was left to heal by secondary intention following complete eradication of the infected bone.

03 / HEALING & FOLLOW-UP

Outcome

The wound healed completely by secondary intention within approximately 3 months, without the need for hallux amputation.

Complete eradication of osteomyelitis was achieved while preserving the great toe, maintaining its weight-bearing function and contribution to normal gait.