Plantar Hallux Osteomyelitis Treated with 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 65-year-old man with diabetes presented with plantar hallux osteomyelitis and a deep plantar ulcer involving the phalanges of the great toe. The location of the ulcer on the weight-bearing surface made durable wound closure particularly challenging.

Plantar Hallux Osteomyelitis Treated with Toe Preservation before image — Problem

02 / SURGICAL APPROACH

Procedure

Radical surgical debridement and resection of the infected phalanges were performed while preserving the soft-tissue envelope of the hallux. The wound was managed by secondary intention until complete granulation and epithelialization were achieved.

03 / HEALING & FOLLOW-UP

Outcome

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

Despite the challenging plantar location, complete eradication of osteomyelitis was achieved while preserving the great toe, maintaining its weight-bearing function and contribution to normal gait.