[Scarification: its role in the treatment of chronic fistulated pyogenic osteoarticular infection].

The "scarification" technique is a reliable method of healing chronic bone infection by promoting revascularisation. A wide excision of scarred or infected soft tissue is first carried out. The bone is then carefully "scarified", or petaled, with minimal removal of bone substance. A small window is made to allow drainage and curettage of the intramedullary space. Revascularisation of diseased bone is stimulated by this technique, thus encouraging the growth of granulation tissue with consequent healing. The authors claim a success rate of 93% in 86 patients.