Primary skin-grafting in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis

Abstract Attention is called to the value of primary splitthickness skin-grafting, as opposed to secondary grafting, used in conjunction with radical excision of avascular, sclerotic bone in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. Nine cases treated by this method are described. These have remained healed following this procedure after periods of recurrent infection and disability varying from 28 to 2 years, 6 patients having recurrent osteomyelitis for over 10 years before operation. Five cases have remained healed for periods varying from 3 to 5 years following operation, the more recent remaining cases being asymptomatic for 1½−3 years subsequently.