Debridement bone grafting and transfer of skin flap as the treatment for traumatic osteomyelitis

Aim To summarize(describe) the method and clinical effects of debridement grafting and transfer of skin flap in treatment of traumatic osteomyelitis.Methods From March 2003 to July 2008,16 patients with traumatic osteomyelitis in lower limb combined with bone and soft tissue defect were included in this study.We used the debridement,bone grafting,and selected the gastrocnemius flap in 10 cases,2 cases of dorsal foot flap,2 cases of flap,cross-leg flap 2 cases of a wound repair.Results The results were followed up for 6~38 months,an average of 9 months.Bone healing time was 6~13 months,mean 7.5 months.According to the Paley score,there were excellent 15 and good 1.Functional results were 13 excellent and good,2 fair and 1 poor.Wound healing in 13 cases of stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ healing in 2 cases,1 case with obvious sinus.Conclusion Traumatic osteomyelitis were able to heal by first intention,by debridement,cancellous bone graft particles,selection of appropriate adjacent flap repair,which was effective,short-course,and easy.