Isolated Tuberculous Osteomyelitis of Calcaneus in an Immune-Competent Adult Patient With Literature Review: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2025 Jan 9;15(1). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.24.00413. eCollection 2025 Jan 1.

Abstract

Case: We present a case of isolated tuberculous osteomyelitis of the calcaneus in an immune-competent adult patient with a 5-year follow-up. The diagnosis was established by core needle aspiration and biopsy. He was treated with antituberculous chemotherapy and immobilization. The lesion healed with collapse of the calcaneal tuberosity that clinically resulted in shortening and heel valgus. A literature review is also presented.

Conclusion: Isolated tuberculous osteomyelitis of the calcaneus in an immune-competent adult patient is rare. It may pose diagnostic dilemma, and orthopaedist should work through the differential diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Calcaneus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Calcaneus* / microbiology
  • Calcaneus* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Male
  • Osteomyelitis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteomyelitis* / microbiology
  • Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular* / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents