Residual First Metatarsal Osteomyelitis After Previous Surgery

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

An elderly patient with type 2 diabetes was referred from another hospital following partial resection of the first metatarsal for diabetic foot osteomyelitis. Despite the initial surgery, persistent infection remained within the residual central portion of the first metatarsal, resulting in a chronic plantar wound with ongoing osteomyelitis.

Residual First Metatarsal Osteomyelitis After Previous Surgery before image — Problem

02 / SURGICAL APPROACH

Procedure

Revision limb-sparing surgery was performed with complete excision of the residual infected first metatarsal until healthy, bleeding bone margins were achieved. Following meticulous debridement, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied to promote granulation tissue formation, reduce wound volume, and prepare the wound for definitive healing.

03 / HEALING & FOLLOW-UP

Outcome

Complete wound healing was achieved in approximately four months. This case illustrates that residual osteomyelitis after incomplete bone resection does not necessarily mandate major amputation. Careful revision surgery combined with NPWT can successfully eradicate persistent infection while preserving a functional, weight-bearing foot.