Management of Sequellae of Pyogenic Osteomyelilis

Kim, Key Yong; Yoon, Hyung Ku; Seo, Jae Gon; Cheong, Hee Young

Abstract

After discovery of Penicillin by Fleming in 1939, a great improvement in the treatment of osteomyelitis has been made and the mortality rate in acute stage was markedly decreased. But due to misplacement of antibiotics, and the improper treatment of the osteomyelitis, the tendency to chronicity and various sequellae of the osteomyelitis are still persist. So, it will be of importance to reconsider the management of various sequellae of pyogenic osteomyelilis. We reviewed 3 cases of sepsis, 10 cases of pathologic fracture, 6 cases of sepsis, 6 cases of malignant turnor developed in an old draining sinus, 2 cases of bone defect, 3 cases of joint contracture and 4 cases of deformity and growth disturbance 604 cases of osteomyelitis treated at National Medical Center between 1972 to 1983. The results were as follows: 1. Established sepsis was noted in 3 cases, and one of these patient dead. We treat these patients with high dose of the antibiotics accompanied by decompression of the lesion. 2. Pathologic fracture developed in 10 cases, which was treated with either conservative or operative treatment. All cases obtained good union except one. 3. Spuamous cell carcinoma developed in 6 cases around the old draining sinus. All cases were treated with amputation. Theres no recurrence except one. 4. Bone defect developed in 2 cases. A case of bone defect in humeral shaft was treated with vascularized fibular graft and obtained firm union and good function. 5. Joint contracture was treated with soft tissue release and even joint fusion in severe case. The results were not gratifying. 6. Deformity and growth disturbance of limbs were treated with soft tissue release, osteotomy and stapling. Most of the cases obtained good results, but limb length discrepancy was not recovered satisfactorily.