BACKGROUND: Chronic osteomyelitis is one of the currently refractory diseases. The aim of this study is to discuss the method and curative effects of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) treatment combined with skin flap transplantation and antibiotic bone cement for chronic tibia osteomyelitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this study, 18 cases of open fracture secondary chronic tibia osteomyelitis were selected. After the granulation tissue of the wound surface became fresh and infection was controlled, the wound surface was repaired with a medial head of gastrocnemius transfer flap or a myofascial and cutaneous island pedicle flap with a collateral vessel nourished by the retrograde sural nerve. VSD combined with focus debridement and antibiotic bone cement filling was conducted. After inflammation was completely regulated, elective bone cement extraction, bone grafting, and internal fixation were performed. Within 2 to 3 years of follow-up post-surgery, the satisfaction and recurrence rates were evaluated. The patients’ pre-operative and post-operative recovery of limb functions were compared according to the Enneking scoring system.

RESULTS: The patients did not suffer from osteomyelitis recurrence, with the exception of 1 case that manifested osteomyelitis recurrence and recovered through surgical treatment within the period of follow-up. The satisfaction and recurrence rates of these study cases post-surgery were 94.4% and 5.6%, respectively. The average functional recovery post-surgery was 81.5% of normal function.

CONCLUSIONS: Vacuum sealing drainage combined with skin flap transplantation and antibiotic bone cement is an effective treatment for chronic tibia osteomyelitis.

Keywords: Bone Cements, Drainage, osteomyelitis, Skin Transplantation, Adolescent, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Bone Transplantation, Debridement, Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy, Reconstructive Surgical Procedures, Skin, Soft Tissue Injuries, Surgical Flaps, Tibia, Tibial Fractures, Wound Healing