Chronic osteomyelitis: results obtained by an integrated team approach to management.

Abstract

Management of chronic osteomyelitis requires thorough debridement of infected bone and soft tissues coupled with rigid stabilization with external fixators, elimination of dead space, often requiring soft-tissue flap coverage, and staged bone reconstruction. When such a surgical approach is accompanied by appropriate antibiotics based on the sensitivity of the microbes isolated from the infected site, the infected focus is eliminated and bone length and integrity are restored.