Background: Calcaneal osteomyelitis is difficult to treat. Various surgical procedures to manage chronic osteomyelitis of the calcaneus, that is, partial, total calcanectomy, split-heel approach, and vascularized flaps to cover the ulcer, have been employed with variable and often disappointing results. Way back in 1931, Gaenslen reported his split-heel or cloven-heel method approach, with satisfactory healing in all patients and no plastic or secondary operations. In spite of the uniformly good results in all calcaneum osteomyelitis cases shown subsequently, it seems that this is not a popular approach; the literature is sparse, and the most recent publication on this approach and technique was in 2010 by Bhattacharya and Das. This approach and technique have not received much attention as a preferred treatment choice and are usually reserved for patients with resistant or recurrent disease. Our case report and systematic review of this method reveal that it is a safe and effective technique and that it shall be used primarily in all patients of calcaneal osteomyelitis, with or without a plantar ulcer, in children and adults alike.

Conclusion: Overall, it seems reasonable to state that it is a safe and very effective technique. Only two recurrences and one reoperation are noted in this entire literature review. It remains a moot point whether this approach and technique shall be routinely indicated in all patients of calcaneal osteomyelitis with or without a plantar ulcer, and further studies may be required.

This approach ought to be renamed the Landerer-Gaenslen approach in future references.We are hopeful that we have revisited and revived this useful and safe technique and attempted to rekindle the memory of the fascinating classic paper by author Gaenslen, reviewed and refined the indications through our case report and literature survey

Dr. Vijay Panchanadikar is an orthopedic surgeon and Orthopedist in Kothrud, Pune, and has 36 years of experience in these fields. Dr. Vijay Panchanadikar practices at Krishna Hospital in Kothrud, Pune, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Erandwane, Pune, and Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Karve Nagar, Pune. He completed MBBS from Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli (KIMS) in 1981, D-Ortho from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore in 1985, and DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery from DNB board, New Delhi in 1988.

He is a member of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Indian Orthopaedic Association, and Indiana Medical Association. Some of the services provided by the doctor are: Meniscus Repair Surgery, Carpal Tunnel Release, Ankle Arthroscopy, Shoulder Arthroscopy, and Joint and Muscle Problems etc.