We have treated three cases of bone abscesses, two in proximal tibia and one in os calcis, by radical excision and filling the remaining bone cavity with autogenous iliac bone graft. We have observed them postoperatively for one to six years. They have not shown any sign of recurrence and they are carrying out their normal daily activity without any restriction.
Eventhough it is against the basic fundamental of surgery to lay bone grafts in an infected area, our treatment was successful. We believe that this was resulted from the administration of the broad spectrum antibiotics, complete excision of the diseased tissue, gentle handling of the tissue at the surgery, and relatively perfect postoperative care.
When the remaining bone cavity after the surgery of the osteomyelitis ca,n not filled by the usual method such as muscle pedicle graft, especially in the proximal metaphyseo-epiphyseal region of the tibia, fresh cancellous bone graft immediately after the radical excision, and primary closure of the operative wound may be tried. It seems that this method brings rapid and permanent healing of the chronic osteomyelitis. Thus the patient can leave hospital earlier, pays less expense, and returns to his work earlier.
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