LAUSR

Primary malignant bone tumour of the calcaneum is rare and constitutes about 3% of all bone tumours [1]. Due to its rarity, delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment, local recurrence is common; literature with regard to the available surgical options and outcome is also limited [2,3]. Osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma are the common malignant tumours of the calcaneum [4]. Malignant tumours of the calcaneum tend to perforate the cortex early in their course, becoming extra compartmental [5]. Below-knee amputation was previously considered the standard treatment, but with the advent of chemotherapy, advanced imaging and surgical techniques, limb salvage has become the treatment of choice for primary calcaneal malignancy [6,3]. Since majority of the tumour vicinity is free from important neurovascular structures, total calcanectomy is a viable option for malignant tumours of the calcaneum [7]. Different reconstructive methods like allograft, recycled autograft, prosthesis and vascularized osseous flaps have been described, with their respective advantages and disadvantages [8–11]. We report a novel technique of using a fresh-frozen proximal tibia allograft, for structural reconstruction of the hindfoot, following total calcanectomy.