The Induced Membrane Technique for Bone Defects of Critical Size After Infection in Children

Abstract

We report 3 consecutive cases of bone defects of critical size after chronic osteomyelitis in children that were treated with the induced membrane technique, in 2 girls and a boy 7 months to 7 years old. All defects were diaphyseal. The length of resection was from 4 to 12 cm (35% to 55% of the total bone length). Resection of the infected bone, filling of the defect with a cement spacer, and intramedullary fixation were followed by autologous bone-grafting 60 to 90 days later. All defects healed. At the latest follow-up, which ranged from 21 months to 6 years, no recurrence or complication had occurred. The induced membrane technique is an attractive option for bone defects of critical size after chronic osteomyelitis in children.