title: Vascularized tissue transfer. An adjunct to the treatment of osteomyelitis.
abstract: Debridement is paramount in the treatment of chronic or acute posttraumatic osteomyelitis. Aggressive removal of all infected soft tissue and bone results in a wound characterized by large dead space and exposed or missing bone. Vascularized tissue transfer eliminates dead space and provides easily mobilized tissue, a necessity for later bony reconstruction. With its independent blood supply, the transferred tissue provides a well oxygenated environment and a potential transport mechanism for antibiotics. Local muscle or fasciocutaneous flaps are used when available. However, in the majority of cases free tissue transfer is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College, Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Hanel
mesh_terms: D003646:Debridement; D006801:Humans; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps