Sepsis and osteomyelitis about the ankle joint.
Sepsis and osteomyelitis about the ankle joint present a challenging clinical problem. Osteomyelitis usually follows open fracture of the distal tibia, often with a pilon fracture component. This article outlines the prevention of osteomyelitis in these difficult fractures. Treatment of subsequent osteomyelitis and sepsis, including the authors' experiences, is discussed. Septic ankle arthritis can occur hematogenously. In some patients, the optimal treatment for concomitant osteomyelitis and sepsis is a below knee amputation.
Department of Orthopaedics, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
D B
DB
Thordarson
E
E
Ahlmann
L E
LE
Shepherd
M J
MJ
Patzakis
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000150:complications; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications