Flatfoot and calcaneal deformity secondary to osteomyelitis after neonatalheel puncture

Deformity of the calcaneus was observed in three patients who developed ost eomyelitis after neonatal heel puncture for newborn blood studies. Septic i nvolvement of the calcaneal apophysis may produce an abnormal and early clo sure of this growth plate. Progressive deformity of the calcaneus, despite appropriate treatment, develops into an asymptomatic flatfoot. A strictly a septic technique is mandatory for neonatal puncture of the heel to avoid th is unusual complication. An infectious cause of flatfoot is proposed in thi s report.