TREATMENT OF OSTEOMYELITIS IN THE LOWER EXTREMITIES USING FREE VASCULARIZED BONE GRAFT

Abstract

　　We report the results of osteomyelitis treatment by free vascularized bone and tissue transfer. Ten patients were eligible for this study. Eight had osteomyelitis of the tibia and one each of the femur and calcaneus. All had several previous surgeries. After debridement of the infected bone, all were treated with free vascularized bone transfer. Multiplanar external fixators were applied for tibial cases. All flaps survived. Nine of them were cured and achieved bone union without infection. One case without negative pressure wound therapy developed infection again due to insufficient debridement and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Appropriate debridement of infected tissues and treatment with effective antibiotics are crucial to control infection. Negative pressure wound therapy is useful not only for open wounds but also to confirm good granulation after the complete removal of the infected tissue.