Active Osteomyelitis Research Articles

Osteomyelitis of the Ischium in a Hemodialysis Dependent Adult – A Rare Case Report

Introduction: Osteomyelitis of the pelvis is rare, and the correct diagnosis may be missed during the early stage when the correct treatment would be most beneficial. Osteomyelitis requires multidisciplinary treatment to cure or control symptoms. Case Presentation: A 71-year-old woman, with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis, presented in emergency department for purulent drainage of a right buttock swelling. A pelvic computer tomography (CT) revealed a collection of the gluteal musculature and an activated chronic osteomyelitis with one osteolytic lesion on right ischiopubic branch. The patient underwent surgical treatment, with need of two interventions. First, she was only submitted to surgical drainage of the abscess. She completed a cycle of antibiotic therapy, with good response. Two months later, she returns with fever and drainage of the surgical wound. A pelvic CT showed an area of bone destruction at right ischium, with an increase in bone sequestration. She underwent a partial orchiectomy and surgical debridement of necrotic tissues. A Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus mirabilis and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated. She was on antibiotic therapy for 4 months. Three years later, she remains without new symptoms or signs of active osteomyelitis. Conclusion: Pelvic osteomyelitis represents a diagnostic challenge, because the symptoms and signs vary, depending on the initial site of infection, its duration and the direction of its spread. Osteomyelitis of the ischium is generally diagnosed in the late stage with complications. Treatment of pelvic osteomyelitis is challenging due to the anatomic constraints of the pelvis and the high degree of comorbidity in affected patients. A multidisciplinary approach is often required. This case of a chronic abscess with osteomyelitis of the ischium is rare and was neglected for months because of the absence of constitutional symptoms in a hemodialysis dependent woman.

A Very Rare Pathogen of Osteomyelitis: Alcaligenes faecalis.

To the Editors: Alcaligenes faecalis is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, obligate aerobic, motile and nonfermenting bacteria.1 It is commonly found in the environment (soil or water) and in the human gut.2A. faecalis has been associated with various infections such as bacteremia, meningitis, endophthalmitis, endocarditis, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, peritonitis, otitis media and pneumonia.3 Here, we present 2 patients with osteomyelitis due to A. faecalis, a rarely reported clinical condition in the literature. Patient 1: An 18-year-old female with a medical history of operated for meningomyelocele and pes cavus was admitted with worsening pain in her right lower extremity. On admission, she was afebrile with normal vital signs there was a chronic ulcerated wound with seropurulent discharge on the right foot. On the laboratory evaluation, there was no leukocytosis, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were negative, erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 35 mm/h. Clindamycin 30 mg/kg/d and cefotaxime 200 mg/kg/d intravenously (IV) were administered empirically. The contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed cellulitis in soft tissue and osteomyelitis in the bone at the level of the 5th finger metatarsal base and proximal shaft (Fig. 1). Wound debridement was performed by orthopedics. She developed emesis and rash on day 4 and the antibiotic was changed to IV ciprofloxacin (30 mg/kg/d). Intraoperative wound culture grew A. faecalis which was sensitive to ampicillin, cefotaxime and gentamicin. Due to clinical improvement, treatment with ciprofloxacin continued and she was discharged after 15 days of IV therapy. The total treatment is planned to be completed in 8 weeks.FIGURE 1.: MRI (T2 weighted) showing osteomyelitis of the right foot. MRI indicates magnetic resonance imaging.Patient 2: A 15-year-old girl presented with a chronic ulcerated wound on her right foot. She had been operated twice for meningomyelocele and had pes planovalgus. She was afebrile and there was a chronic wound without any discharge on her right foot on admission. Laboratory evaluation revealed negative acute phase reactants and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 24 mm/h. The empirical treatment was administered as IV cefotaxime and clindamycin. The contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed findings suggestive of active osteomyelitis on the right calcaneus (Fig. 1). Orthopedics performed wound debridement and inserted vacuum-assisted closure therapy system. A. faecalis growth was detected in the tissue culture which was sensitive to ceftazidime and meropenem but resistant to amikacin. Her treatment was changed to IV ceftazidime (150 mg/kg/d). After vacuum-assisted closure treatment, it was planned to perform tissue repair by plastic surgery and to continue antibiotherapy IV due to the resistance pattern of the microorganism. Opportunistic infections and antimicrobial resistance associated with A. faecalis have been reported but osteomyelitis due to A. faecalis was documented in a few patients with diabetic foot ulcers in the literature.4 It is usually sensitive to beta-lactam antibiotics and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and resistant to aminoglycosides and tetracyclines.5 Most of the previously documented cases have been successfully treated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid but antibiotic resistance is an emerging problem. In summary, we present 2 patients with osteomyelitis due to A. faecalis, a rare cause of osteomyelitis. In addition to surgery, medical treatment should be arranged based on the antibiotic susceptibility results for successful and appropriate treatment.

ENERGI-F703 gel, as a new topical treatment for diabetic foot and leg ulcers: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase II trial.

SummaryBackgroundDiabetic foot and leg ulcers are a major cause of disability among patients with diabetes mellitus. A topical gel called ENERGI-F703, applied twice daily and with adenine as its active pharmaceutical ingredient, accelerated wound healing in diabetic mice. The current study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ENERGI-F703 for patients with diabetic foot and leg ulcers.MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, multicenter, phase II trial recruited patients from eight medical centers in Taiwan. Patients with intractable diabetic foot and leg ulcers (Wagner Grade 1–3 without active osteomyelitis) were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive topical ENERGI-F703 gel or vehicle gel twice daily for 12 weeks or until complete ulcer closure. The investigator, enrolled patients and site personnel were masked to treatment allocation. Intention to treat (ITT) population and safety population were patient to primary analyses and safety analyses, respectively. Primary outcome was complete ulcer closure rate at the end of treatment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02672436.FindingsStarting from March 15th, 2017 to December 26th, 2019, 141 patients were enrolled as safety population and randomized into ENERGI-F703 gel (n = 95) group or vehicle gel (n = 46) group. In ITT population, ENERGI-F703 (n = 90) and vehicle group showed ulcer closure rates of 36.7% (95% CI = 26.75% - 47.49%) and 26.2% (95% CI = 13.86% - 42.04%) with difference of 9.74 % (95 % CI = -6.74% - 26.23%) and 25% quartiles of the time to complete ulcer closure of 69 days and 84 days, respectively. There were 25 (26.3%) patients in ENERGI-F703 group and 11 (23.9%) patients in vehicle group experiencing serious adverse events and five deaths occurred during the study period, none of them related to the treatment.InterpretationOur study suggests that ENERGI-F703 gel is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for chronic diabetic foot and leg ulcers. Further studies are needed to corroborate our findings in light of limitations.FundingEnergenesis Biomedical Co., Ltd.

447-P: The Efficacy and Safety Trial of ENERGI-F703 in Diabetic Wound Healing: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2 Clinical Trial

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is a catastrophic ailment that exerts serious medical and psychological impact on diabetic patients. ENERGI-F703 is a hydrogel containing 0.02% adenine as a prodrug for the replenishment of cellular ATP levels to accelerate diabetic wound healing. To demonstrate its efficacy and safety in patients with DFU, 141 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) ≥ 20 years old with HbA1c 6.5-12 % and intractable DFUs (Wagner grade 1-3 without active osteomyelitis) were enrolled, randomized 2:1 ENERGI-F703 group (67.4%) to vehicle group (32.6%) for 12 weeks. Most target ulcers were grade 2 (63.6%, N=84) and located mainly on the foot sole (30.3%, N=40) or toe (27.3%, N=36). The primary endpoint was complete ulcer closure rate at the end of treatment. Secondary endpoints included the time required to complete ulcer closure, the accumulated confirmed ulcer closure rate and percentage change in ulcer size at each of the post-treatment visit, and adverse event incidence. Patients with confirmed complete ulcer closure were follow-up for additional 12 weeks and patients with incomplete ulcer closure were additional 4 weeks. An intend-to-treat (ITT) population of 132 subjects and a per-protocol (PP) population of 107 were included in efficacy analyses. Among the PP population with Wagner grade 1 or 2 target ulcers, we observed a significantly higher response rate in the ENERGI-F703 group compared to the vehicle group (48.0% vs. 20.8%, P = 0.0250). Among the ITT population, we also observed a higher response rate in the ENERGI-F703 group compared to the vehicle group (40.3% vs. 20.7%, P = 0.0656). Time to complete target ulcer closure was also faster among patients receiving ENERGI-F703 Gel in both the ITT population (P = 0.0380) and PP population (P = 0.0180). There were no suspected unexpected serious adverse reactions observed throughout the study. Our study showed that ENERGI-F703 Gel is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for DFU. Disclosure G. Young: Employee; Self; Energenesis Biomedical Co., Ltd. J. Lin: Employee; Self; Energenesis Biomedical Co., Ltd. Y. Cheng: Employee; Self; Energenesis Biomedical Co., Ltd. H. Chen: None. C. Huang: Employee; Self; Energenesis Biomedical Co., Ltd.

Culture Concordance in Different Sections of the Metatarsal Head: Interpretations of Microbiological Results.

Microbiological cultures of per-wound bone biopsies have shown a lack of correlation and a high rate of false-negative results when compared with bone biopsy cultures in diabetic foot osteomyelitis. The selection of samples from the area of active osteomyelitis, which contains a complete census of the microorganisms responsible for the infection, is essential to properly guide antimicrobial treatment. We aimed to comparatively evaluate the quantitative and qualitative cultures taken from different areas, in metatarsal heads resected for osteomyelitis. For this purpose, we consecutively selected 13 metatarsal heads from 12 outpatients with plantar ulcers admitted to our diabetic foot unit. Metatarsal heads were divided transversally into 3 portions: plantar (A), central (B), and dorsal (C), and the 39 resulting samples were cultured. Qualitative and quantitative microbiological analysis was performed, and the isolated species and bacterial load, total and species specific, were compared between the 3 metatarsal bone segments. The primary outcome of the study was the bacterial diversity detected in the different bone sections. Cultures were positive in 12 of the 13 included metatarsal heads (92%). A total of 34 organisms were isolated from all specimens. Ten of the 12 cultures (83%) were polymicrobial. Ten of the 13 metatarsal heads (77%) had identical microbiological results in each of the 3 bone sections. The largest number of microorganisms was found in the central section. The overall concordance between sections was 91%. The predominant microorganisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci (41%). Statistical differences were not found in the bioburden between sections (range 3.25-3.41 log10 colony-forming unit/g for all sections; P = .511). The results of our study suggest that microorganisms exhibit a high tendency to spread along the metatarsal bone and that the degree of progression along the bone is species dependent. The central portions of metatarsal bones tend to accumulate a higher diversity of species. Thus, we recommend this area of bone for targeted biopsy in patients with suspected osteomyelitis.

Microvascular reconstruction and dental rehabilitation of benign severely atrophic jaws and defects of the alveolar ridge: our philosophy in 2019

We deal regularly with patients who present with severe atrophy of the jaws, compromised soft tissue, or penetrating defects of the alveolar ridge that are not the result of malignant disease. For these patients we use microvascular bony flaps together with dental implants and implant-supported prostheses. The purpose of this retrospective study was to present our current management and the lessons we have learned over a 16-year period while treating 86 patients for these indications with 87 microvascular bone flaps. We used a transoral approach for the anastomosis in 60 flaps, thereby avoiding visible scars, and inserted 281 dental implants to support fixed or removable dental prostheses. Two femoral flaps developed partial necrosis, and seven implants were lost. Eighty-five of the 86 patients were satisfied with the improvement in their orofacial function and aesthetics. Poor oral hygiene, active osteomyelitis, and severe bruxism are absolute contraindications.

348 Circumferential Correction of Post-infectious Thoracolumbar Deformity in High-risk Patients with Active Osteomyelitis

Abstract INTRODUCTION Post-infectious deformity is a rare complication of osteomyelitis of the spine.Non-operative or limited operative treatment with debridement is usually futile due to destruction of the anterior column. Major reconstructive surgery may be a large undertaking with high morbidity. We describe our experience and outcomes with circumferential correction and fusion for patients with post-infectious deformity. METHODS A retrospective review of 10 consecutive patients who underwent a three-column osteotomy for thoracolumbar deformity due to bacterial osteomyelitis during an 18-month period is reported. Preoperative data included ambulatory status, CCI, clinical and infectious data, and VAS scores.Complications are reported.The severity of their immediate postoperative condition is reflected by the SAPS II score. Outcome variables included VAS scores, ambulatory status, ability to care for self, return to work status and imaging. RESULTS >The mean age was 60.5 ± 6.6 years. All patients had refractory back pain, were unable to ambulate and had confirmed diagnosis of a spinal infection.The median CCI was 5(range, 1–8) and mean VAS was 8.7 ± 1.8. All patients underwent a 3-column osteotomy with an average number of 8 levels fused. The mean EBL and operative time was 4200 mL and 8.6 hours respectively. The median SAPS II score was 25 (range, 15–52). The median ICU and total hospital stay was 4 and 13 days respectively.The most common complication was intraoperative hypotension requiring vasopressor support.Postoperative VAS was reduced to 1.5 ± 1.06, and all patients except one (preoperative paraplegia) regained ambulatory status.Mean preoperative segmental kyphosis of 30 ± 11 degrees was corrected to 10 ± 7 degrees. CONCLUSION This study suggests that extensive circumferential reconstruction for deformity originating from bacterial discitis, although a massive procedure, is effective in restoring these very sick patients to self-care and ambulatory status.Extensive reconstruction is feasible and should be considered even during the acute phase of these complex infections, especially considering how debilitating the added components of instability and deformity.

Comparison of [18 F]FDG PET/CT and MRI in the diagnosis of active osteomyelitis

In diagnosing osteomyelitis (OM) both MRI and [18F]FDG PET-CT proved to be accurate modalities. In anticipation of the advent of hybrid PET/MRI scanners we analyzed our patient group to give direction to future imaging strategies in patients with suspected OM. In this retrospective study all patients of a tertiary referral center who underwent both an MRI and a PET for the diagnosis of OM were included. The results of those scans were evaluated using patient's histology, microbiological findings, and clinical/radiological follow-up. Additionally, ROC curve analysis of the SUVmax and the SUVmax ratio on the PET scans was performed. Two imaging strategies were simulated: first MRI followed by PET, or vice versa. Twenty-seven localizations in 26 patients were included. Both MRI and PET were shown to be accurate in our patients for the qualitative detection of OM. A cut-off value for the SUVmax of 3 gave optimal results (a specificity of 90% with a sensitivity of 88%). The SUVmax ratio gave a worse performance. The two simulated imaging strategies showed no difference in the final diagnosis in 20 out of 27 cases. Remarkably, 6 equivocal cases were all correctly diagnosed by the second modality, i.e., PET or MRI. Both MRI and [18F]FDG PET were accurate in diagnosing OM in a tertiary referral hospital population. Simulation of imaging strategies showed that a combined sequential strategy was optimal. It seems preferable to use MRI as a primary imaging tool for uncomplicated unifocal cases, whereas in cases with (possible) multifocal disease or a contraindication for MRI, PET is preferred. This combined sequential strategy looks promising, but needs to be confirmed in a larger prospective study.

Ankylosis of the hips and knees due to sickle cell disease

This is a case report of a 29-year-old Saudi male with sickle cell disease (SCD) with severe stiffness of his joints, mainly both knees and hips, secondary to complications of SCD. He was severely crippled: unable to sit, stand or walk, and was bedridden for 8 years when he was presented to us. Radiographs showed fusion of both knees and hips. There was no evidence of active osteomyelitis by Gallium scan. The patient’s hemoglobin S decreased to levels below 30% by exchange transfusion. Bilateral total hip replacement, as well as unilateral total knee replacement, was carried out to improve his level of function. There is only one reported case of such severe and multiple joint complications in a single patient suffering from SCD.The increased life expectancy that medical advances have offered to the sickle-cell patients has led to the appearance of sickle-cell-related complications, which were previously only seen rarely. These complications were successfully managed and the patient was able to move and transfer using a wheel chair.

Ankle fusion using a 2-incision, 3-screw technique

Reliable fusion and optimal correction of the alignment of the ankle joint using a 2-incision, 3-screw technique. Symptomatic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint after insufficient other treatment, severe deformity of the osteoarthritic ankle joint, or salvation procedure after failed arthroplasty. Active osteomyelitis, very poor soft tissues, or severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Osteotomy and excision medial malleolus. Osteotomy, dislocation, and denudation of the distal fibula. Osteotomy of distal tibia and talus in the desired position for optimal alignment. Temporary tibiotalar fixation with two Weber reposition clamps. Final tibiotalar fixation with a medial and lateral 4.5 mm full threaded cortical lag screw. Reduction of the distal fibula and fibulotibial fixation using a similar technique. A nonweight-bearing circular below knee cast for 6 weeks, followed by a walker or weight-bearing cast for another 6 weeks. A total of 30 ankle fusions in 26 patients were analyzed. Mean age at fusion was 50 years (range 11-72.1 years). Mean follow-up time was 9.2 years (3.4-18.8 years). Radiological and clinical fusion in 28 (93%) of the primary arthrodeses. The mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score was 66 ± 12. Of the 26 patients, 22 (85%) were satisfied. Deep wound infection occurred once (3%). No other serious complications were encountered. The described technique provides reliable long-term follow-up results for a wide range of indications for ankle fusion.

Is There an Association between Comorbidities and the Outcome of Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevant conditions for safe free flap transfers. The authors retrospectively studied the data from 150 patients who received free flaps at a single institution. Many parameters were analyzed to reveal if there was a correlation with respect to surgical or medical complications. Regarding safety of free tissue transfer, we found a worse prognosis in flaps where a revision of the microanastomosis had to be performed. Platelet count and leukocyte count had an impact on the prognosis. Patients older than 60 years did not have an increased rate of surgical complications. Apart from active osteomyelitis, the presence of comorbid conditions did not significantly impair the outcome of flap transfer, although smoking and diabetes correlated with minor surgical complications like wound breakdown or hematoma, respectively. Besides one case of lethal heart failure of an octogenarian patient, no severe medical complications occurred in this series of patients. Microvascular free tissue transfer is not significantly impaired by age and most comorbidities. Osteomyelitis as well as elevated leukocytes and lowered platelets may increase the complication rate and worsen the surgical prognosis. Smoking and diabetes might prolong the hospital course of the patients.

When is CRMO NOT CRMO?

A 3 year old girl presented with a limp and a hot, swollen ankle. X-Ray showed active osteomyelitis. ESR > 60 mm/hr, Hb 11.3 g/dl, WCC 7.9 × 109/L, Platelets 808 × 109/L. Intravenous antibiotics were commenced. One week later, the left ankle became swollen, X-Ray showed osteomyelitis. Bone scan showed several areas of increased uptake, right femoral neck, both knees, both ankles, and scapula. A presumptive diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis was made. Management was with intravenous followed by oral antibiotics. Upon rheumatology review 4 months later, she had clinically improved, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents were advised, it was felt a bone biopsy was not indicated. 2 months later, she had developed episodic lower back pain, both day and night. She did not like walking and had lost weight. She was pale and had developed a kyphosis in L2–3 region with a scoliosis. Spinal X-Ray revealed multiple crush fractures with marked osteopenia. Repeat bloods showed Hb 7.0 g/dl, WCC 17 × 109/L and platelet count of 200 × 109/L. Blood film demonstrated multiple lymphoblasts. Bone marrow examination revealed common acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. At presentation, chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis may mimic acute osteomyelitis; however, definitive diagnosis is with a bone biopsy. Bone scans can be useful to identify additional foci of involvement that can be present concurrently or sequentially. One case report of CRMO following ALL has been documented [1]. This case illustrates a rare presentation of CRMO clinical symptomatology and radiological findings with an underlying diagnosis of ALL.

99mTc-depreotide in the evaluation of bone infection and inflammation

(99m)Tc-depreotide is a (99m)Tc-labelled somatostatin analogue, with high affinity for the 2, 3 and 5 subtypes of somatostatin receptors. These particular receptors are over-expressed on the surface of activated leucocytes, which mediate inflammatory response. Based on this property this study tried to investigate whether (99m)Tc-depreotide scintigraphy could be a useful complementary method in the investigation of bone infection and inflammation. Twenty-three patients, who were investigated for probable osteomyelitis, underwent three-phase bone scintigraphy followed by (99m)Tc-depreotide scintigraphy. Clinical and laboratory findings, complementary imaging procedures, clinical follow-up and bone biopsy established the final diagnosis. (99m)Tc-depreotide scintigraphy was performed 3 h after the intravenous administration of 555-740 MBq of the radiopharmaceutical. Scintigraphic images were, at first, blindly interpreted alone and then in comparative assessment with bone scans. (99m)Tc-depreotide was positive in 12/12 cases of active osteomyelitis, one case of recent femoral head osteonecrosis and 6/9 rheumatoid arthritis sites. Negative (99m)Tc-depreotide scans were acquired in five cases of 'no-inflammation' (an uncomplicated fracture, an aseptic loosening of prosthesis, an old osteonecrosis, a healed and a successfully treated osteomyelitis), as well as in 14/14 total sites of degenerative arthritis-osteoarthropathy. In five cases (septic arthritis, periodontal and soft tissue infections) (99m)Tc-depreotide was positive, though spatially discordant with bone scintigraphy, delineating precisely the focus of infection. (99m)Tc-depreotide can be a useful complementary imaging method in the evaluation of bone infection and inflammation. Its combination with three-phase bone scintigraphy seems to be accurate in localizing the infection foci and determining the activity of the inflammatory processes.

The Use of External Fixation for the Treatment of Spine Infection With Actinomyces Bacillus

External fixation can be used for stabilization of the spine in salvage cases, especially in cases of infection of the spine. The advantages of this method are avoiding the needs for internal fixation devices and for postoperative bracing. The literature on this is scant. Reported is a rare case of osteomyelitis of the D2 vertebra with an epidural abscess caused by Actinomyces israelii that spread from the lung and was treated by decompression and external fixation. A 51-year-old man with right upper lobe pneumonia due to A. israelii coccobacillus developed osteomyelitis of the D2 vertebra and an epidural abscess with a gradual paraparesis. He underwent a laminectomy of D1-D3 and 3 weeks later stabilization of the upper thoracic spine using a tubular external fixator that was inserted from C7-D1 to D3-D4. The patient was treated with antibiotic intravenously and later orally. After 2 months, the external fixator was removed. At the last follow-up, the patient had no fever, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level had normal values, and there was only a slight limitation in the range of motion of the cervical paraparesis. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated stabilization of the affected segment without any sign of active osteomyelitis. There were no complications associated with the use of the external fixator. The use of external fixation offers an appropriate alternative for stabilization of the spine as a salvage procedure. The procedure could be performed easily and without any major complications. Especially for the treatment of complicated cases of spinal infection, the use of an external fixator can be of great benefit.

Imaging of Bone to Skin Sinus Tract from Osteomyelitis of the Femur by Tc-99m HMPAO Leukocyte Scintigraphy

The use of bone and Tc-99m-HMPAO leukocyte scintigraphy in the diagnosis of active bone and soft tissue infection is widely accepted. The authors present an interesting case of active femoral osteomyelitis with a sinus tract leading to the skin.

Vascularised fibular grafts

The results and complications of 104 vascularised fibular grafts in 102 patients are presented. Bony union was ultimately achieved in 97 patients, with primary union in 84 (84%). The mean time to union was 15.5 weeks (8 to 40). In 13 patients, primary union was achieved at one end of the fibula and secondary union at the other end. In these patients, the mean time to union was 31.1 weeks (24 to 40). Five patients failed to achieve union, with a resultant pseudarthrosis (3 patients) or amputation (2 patients). There were various complications. Immediate thrombosis occurred in 14 cases. In two of 23 patients with osteomyelitis, infection recurred at two and six months after surgery, respectively. Both patients had active osteomyelitis less than one month before the operation. Bony infection occurred in a patient with a synovial sarcoma of the forearm one year after surgery. In 15 patients, 19 fractures of the fibular graft occurred after bony union, all except one within one year after union. In patients in whom an external fixator had been used, fracture occurred soon after its removal. Union was difficult to achieve in cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Appropriate alignment of the fibular graft is an important factor in preventing stress fracture. The vascularised fibula should be protected during the first year after union. Postoperative complications at the donor site included transient palsy of the superficial peroneal nerve in three patients, contracture of flexor hallucis longus in two and valgus deformity of the ankle in three. Vascularised fibular grafts are useful in the reconstruction of massive bony defects. We believe that meticulous preoperative planning, including choosing which vessels to select in the recipient and the type of fixation devices to use, and care in the introduction of the vascularised fibula, can improve the results and prevent complications.

Vascularised fibular grafts. An experience of 102 patients.

The results and complications of 104 vascularised fibular grafts in 102 patients are presented. Bony union was ultimately achieved in 97 patients, with primary union in 84 (84%). The mean time to union was 15.5 weeks (8 to 40). In 13 patients, primary union was achieved at one end of the fibula and secondary union at the other end. In these patients, the mean time to union was 31.1 weeks (24 to 40). Five patients failed to achieve union, with a resultant pseudarthrosis (3 patients) or amputation (2 patients). There were various complications. Immediate thrombosis occurred in 14 cases. In two of 23 patients with osteomyelitis, infection recurred at two and six months after surgery, respectively. Both patients had active osteomyelitis less than one month before the operation. Bony infection occurred in a patient with a synovial sarcoma of the forearm one year after surgery. In 15 patients, 19 fractures of the fibular graft occurred after bony union, all except one within one year after union. In patients in whom an external fixator had been used, fracture occurred soon after its removal. Union was difficult to achieve in cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Appropriate alignment of the fibular graft is an important factor in preventing stress fracture. The vascularised fibula should be protected during the first year after union. Postoperative complications at the donor site included transient palsy of the superficial peroneal nerve in three patients, contracture of flexor hallucis longus in two and valgus deformity of the ankle in three. Vascularised fibular grafts are useful in the reconstruction of massive bony defects. We believe that meticulous preoperative planning, including choosing which vessels to select in the recipient and the type of fixation devices to use, and care in the introduction of the vascularised fibula, can improve the results and prevent complications.

Evaluation of temporal and facial osteomyelitis by simultaneous In‐WBC/Tc‐99m‐MDP bone SPECT scintigraphy and computed tomography scan

A reliable imaging technique is needed for follow-up of patients with temporal and facial osteomyelitis. Clinical outcome in 20 patients with suspected osteomyelitis of the temporal/mastoid, calvarium, and mandible facial bones was evaluated with 30 combined In-WBC/Tc-99m MDP bone single photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) scans and 27 computed tomographic scans. Simultaneous dual-tracer 25-minute SPECT scans were acquired 18 to 20 hours after radiotracer injection by use of a three-detector system. Diagnosis of the 20 patients (age range, 3 to 74 years) included 8 with facial osteomyelitis, 6 with malignant otitis externa, 3 with mandibular osteomyelitis, and 3 with calvarial osteomyelitis. Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy/culture results in 18 patients and by endoscopic and clinical evaluation in 2 patients with initial negative scans. Of the 30 In-WBC/MDP scans, 15 were true-positive, 13 true-negative, 1 false-negative, and 1 equivocal. Of a total of 27 CT scans, 9 were true-positive, 5 false-negative, and 1 equivocal in patients with biopsy-proven osteomyelitis. Three computed tomographic scans were false-positive and 1 was equivocal in patients without osteomyelitis, because of concurrent postoperative bone abnormalities. Additionally, 8 computed tomographic scans were true-negative. These results suggest that dual In-WBC/Tc-99m MDP bone SPECT scintigraphy provides an accurate imaging modality for diagnosis and follow-up of temporal and facial osteomyelitis when existing clinical or postoperative bone changes make it difficult to detect active osteomyelitis by computed tomographic scan.

Evaluation of temporal and facial osteomyelitis by simultaneous In-WBC/Tc-99m-MDP bone SPECT scintigraphy and computed tomography scan

A reliable imaging technique is needed for follow-up of patients with temporal and facial osteomyelitis. Clinical outcome in 20 patients with suspected osteomyelitis of the temporal/mastoid, calvarium, and mandible facial bones was evaluated with 30 combined In-WBC/Tc-99m MDP bone single photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) scans and 27 computed tomographic scans. Simultaneous dual-tracer 25-minute SPECT scans were acquired 18 to 20 hours after radiotracer injection by use of a three-detector system. Diagnosis of the 20 patients (age range, 3 to 74 years) included 8 with facial osteomyelitis, 6 with malignant otitis externa, 3 with mandibular osteomyelitis, and 3 with calvarial osteomyelitis. Diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy/culture results in 18 patients and by endoscopic and clinical evaluation in 2 patients with initial negative scans. Of the 30 In-WBC/MDP scans, 15 were true-positive, 13 true-negative, 1 false-negative, and 1 equivocal. Of a total of 27 CT scans, 9 were true-positive, 5 false-negative, and 1 equivocal in patients with biopsy-proven osteomyelitis. Three computed tomographic scans were false-positive and 1 was equivocal in patients without osteomyelitis, because of concurrent postoperative bone abnormalities. Additionally, 8 computed tomographic scans were true-negative. These results suggest that dual In-WBC/Tc-99m MDP bone SPECT scintigraphy provides an accurate imaging modality for diagnosis and follow-up of temporal and facial osteomyelitis when existing clinical or postoperative bone changes make it difficult to detect active osteomyelitis by computed tomographic scan. (OTOLARYNGOL HEAD NECK SURG 1995;113:36-41.)

Photopenic defects in marrow-containing skeleton on indium-111 leucocyte scintigraphy: prevalence at sites suspected of osteomyelitis and as an incidental finding.

The skeletal distribution of red marrow-containing sites with a decreased uptake of indium-111-labelled leucocytes was examined as part of a retrospective review of 128 consecutive scans in 113 patients. The prevalence of photopenic defects was determined for sites of suspected osteomyelitis and for other skeletal locations included as part of limited or total-body surveys. Of 52 sites suspected of osteomyelitis based upon radiological and clinical data, 21 (40%) demonstrated a decreased leucocyte uptake. The prevalence of photopenia ranged from 79% (11/14) in the spine and 63% (5/8) in the pelvis to 25% (4/16) in the proximal femur and 0% elsewhere in the extremities (0/9) and in the skull (0/3). Fourteen of these 21 defects (67%) were due to active (n = 9) or healed (n = 5) osteomyelitis/discitis. All sites of active osteomyelitis showed destructive changes on correlative radiographs and were associated with infectious processes of more than 1 months duration. Thirty-seven photopenic defects were observed as incidental findings. The prevalence of photopenia as an incidental finding ranged from 0% in the skull, neck and chest to 3%-4% in the thoracolumbar spine and pelvis and 14% in the femoral heads, the latter reflecting primarily bilateral loss of femoral head marrow. No incidentally found photopenic defect reflected active osteomyelitis. At sites in the spine and pelvis with radiologic evidence of bone destruction suggestive of osteomyelitis, an absence of normal red marrow uptake of labelled leucocytes often reflects a variant presentation for active chronic infection. In contrast, incidental photopenia is uncommon at all skeletal sites except the femoral heads, and should not raise concern over unsuspected active osteomyelitis.