[Results of the surgical treatment of chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis of the fibula].

Four hundred cases of chronic haematogenous osteomyelitis were treated by operation between 1968 and 1987. Twenty were located in the fibula. Diaphyseal resection of the fibula was carried out in 18 cases, all of which healed. The other 2 had sequestrectomy, and both relapsed. Failure of regeneration of the diaphysis after resection is of no consequence in adults, but inadequate regeneration in children will lead to elevation of the lateral malleolus and a valgus deformity of the ankle. In adults chronic osteomyelitis of the fibula should be treated by resection of the diaphysis. In children sequestrectomy is the initial treatment of choice, with resection of the fibula reserved for management of a recurrence.