Vascularized tissue transfer in the treatment of osteomyelitis.

In conclusion, the efficacy of free tissue transfer in the treatment of osteomyelitis is geared mainly at enabling the surgeon to perform a wide radical debridement of infected and nonviable soft tissue and bone. Definitive bony management does not have to be performed concurrently with the soft-tissue coverage procedure and may be effectively staged. The type of free tissue transfer employed will depend upon the size and location of the defect, the condition of the contiguous structures, and the experience of the surgeon. Free tissue transfer that is used judiciously after the eradication of all infected bone and soft tissue appears to be a useful technique for controlling osteomyelitis.