Two-step Surgical Approach Research Articles

Two-Step Conservative Surgery for Complicated Forms of Diabetes-Related Foot Osteomyelitis.

Diabetes-related foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is a common yet complex condition, often complicated by concurrent soft tissue infections (STIs). This study evaluates the efficacy of a two-step conservative surgical approach, hypothesizing that it offers comparable outcomes to a one-step procedure. Conducted on a cohort of 93 patients with DFO, the study categorized cases into two types: OM1 (osteomyelitis without STI) and OM2 (osteomyelitis with STI). OM2 was further subdivided into OM2a (early diagnosis) and OM2b (late diagnosis), with OM2 patients undergoing initial soft tissue debridement followed by elective bone surgery. The results indicated no significant differences in infection recurrence or amputation rates between the two surgical approaches, with recurrence observed in 20.7% of cases and amputations in 10.8%. The two-step procedure was associated with higher inflammatory responses and greater need for antibiotics and hospital admissions. However, these factors did not translate into increased recurrence or amputation compared to the one-step procedure. The study supports the two-step approach as a safe and effective method for managing complicated DFO cases, providing a viable alternative to immediate amputation or single-stage surgery. Despite some limitations, including regional specificity and potential underdiagnosis in late-diagnosed cases, the findings offer valuable insights for clinical management and suggest further research to refine treatment protocols. The study's strengths include confirmed histopathological diagnoses and consistent follow-up, reinforcing the validity of the two-step surgical approach for complex DFO treatment.

A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis of Pregnancies with Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS): From One-Step Surgery towards Two-Step Surgical Approach.

Background: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) can be the cause of major morbidity and its optimal management is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the traditional one-step surgery with a two-step surgical approach in which the placenta is left in situ and the second final operation is delayed to minimise blood loss. Methods: We conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study including all patients managed for PAS between 2007 and 2023. The number of units of red blood cells (RBCs) needed during surgery was the primary outcome used to compare these two approaches. Results: A total of 43 cases were included in this analysis. Twenty of these were managed with the delayed two-step surgical approach, whereas 23 received one-step surgery. The median estimated blood loss during surgery was 2000 mL and 2800 mL for two-step and one-step surgery, respectively (p = 0.095). In the two-step surgical approach, the median number of RBC units transfused during surgery was significantly lower (p = 0.049) and the odds ratio for needing more than four units of RBCs was 0.28 (95%-CI: 0.08-0.98, p = 0.043). A longer interval between the caesarean section and the second operation showed a trend toward lower blood loss (p = 0.065) and was associated with a significantly lower number of RBC units needed during surgery (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Two-step surgery for the treatment of PAS was safe in our cohort and could lead to a reduction in blood transfusion. Leaving the placenta in situ and delaying the final operation represents a possible alternative to traditional caesarean hysterectomy.

The Visual Effect of a Down-Regulation With Dienogest and GnRH Analogues in Endometriosis: Lessons Learned From Two-Step Surgical Approach

ObjectiveTo evaluate the intraoperative visual effect of treatment with GnRH-analogues and Dienogest in endometriosis. DesignRetrospective observational study. SettingEvery laparoscopy from all the different disciplines in our hospital is documented on video and stored in a database. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. A total of 193 patients with histological proven endometriosis from 2007 to 2021 were included, who underwent 2-step surgical procedure. Indications were endometrioma before CO2-Laser therapy, missing consent because of emergencies or other surgeries from other disciplines, or high active and extended disease. When endometriosis was suspected in a surgery conducted by other disciplines, a gynecological surgeon was called during the surgery. Data and intraoperative videos were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers at one referral center. Only cases with available video of first and second look laparoscopy were included. We excluded patient who had prior hormonal treatment in the last 6 months. Lesions were classified according to the description of Khan et al. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 27.0, IBM). Mann-Whitney U test (nonparametric analysis) and χ2 tests were applied. Percentages were calculated for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation were calculated for continuous variables. Significance level was set to p <.05. InterventionsSeventy-seven received GnRH-analogues and 116 Dienogest for preoperative hormone down-regulation. The median duration of down-regulation with GnRH-analogues or Dienogest was 3 months. The mean age was 32.3 (SD 6.3) years for GnRH-analogues and 32.6 (SD 6.3) years for Dienogest, p = .619 respectively. The visible intraoperative effect will be demonstrated in the video. ConclusionThe effect of a hormonal treatment can be observed macroscopically in endometriosis. This can help to understand the in vivo response to the administrated treatment. This video is showing our past experience, as performing second-look laparoscopy is not state of the art anymore.

The diagnostic challenges and two-step surgical approach to an infected dentigerous cyst resembling a unicystic ameloblastoma: A case report

Background: A dentigerous cyst is the second-most frequently observed odontogenic cyst, and an ameloblastoma is one of the most frequently observed odontogenic tumors. Both are mostly associated with an impacted mandibular third molar and have similar characteristics. Diagnostic difficulties often result in misdiagnosis and remain a challenge to overcome. Comprehensive clinical, radiographic, and histopathological views are essential to correctly diagnose the problem and formulate the most suitable treatment plan. Purpose: This case report aims to present a thorough approach to the diagnostic and surgical procedures involved in treating a dentigerous cyst that resembles an ameloblastoma by using marsupialization followed by enucleation. Case: This article presents the case report of a 27-year-old male patient with an infected dentigerous cyst resembling a unicystic ameloblastoma associated with a totally impacted lower mandibular left third molar. The patient had a history of swelling, pain, and pus drainage in the retromolar area. Symptoms subsided after antibiotic and analgesic prescriptions, but the lesion remained and was slowly progressing. The diagnostic approach began with a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, and the result confirmed a benign cystic lesion that was suspected to be an odontogenic tumor. Then an incisional biopsy was conducted under local anesthesia, diagnosing an infected dentigerous cyst. Case Management: Marsupialization and decompression using an obturator was preferred, followed by enucleation. Nine months later, a radiographic examination revealed satisfactory bone regeneration without recurrence. Conclusion: An incisional biopsy plays a vital role in establishing a definitive diagnosis. Marsupialization followed by enucleation offers an excellent combination of treatments achieving complete cyst removal, anatomical structure preservation, and bone regeneration with minimal complications.

Vulval Aggressive Angiomyxoma in a 19 year teenager: a case report

BackgroundAggressive Angiomyxoma is a benign, slowly growing, locally aggressive and recurrent tumour that occurs in the pelvic-perineal region of females in their reproductive years. It presents as a painless, soft, gelatinous mass and metastasizes rarely. Suspicion can be made based on clinical examination and radiological imaging but final diagnosis is confirmed only after histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The choice of treatment is surgical wide local excision.Case presentationWe hereby present a case of a 19-year, unmarried lady, with a body mass index of 21 kg/m2, who presented with a chief complaint of painless mass in left vulva which progressively increased in size in the past one year. Clinical examination revealed a large, cauliflower like, exophytic mass of 10 cm × 10 cm size. Radiological imaging confirmed involvement of lymph nodes. Wide local excision with adequate tumour free margin and depth was used as a treatment modality. The diagnosis was confirmed via histopathological examination of the excised specimen. There is no recurrence in the patient up to date.ConclusionAggressive Angiomyxoma is a rare tumour and it is most often misdiagnosed. This report highlights the importance of considering Aggressive Angiomyxoma as a differential diagnosis of vulval masses and the two-step surgical approach for its treatment in low resource setting.

Two-step cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei with high peritoneal carcinomatosis index

BackgroundComplete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the only curative treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) arising from the appendix. High peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) is associated with an increased risk of surgical complications. The objective of this study was to present the results of a planned two-step surgical strategy to decrease postoperative morbidity and improve resectability of patients with very high PCI.MethodsAll consecutive patients who underwent a planned two-step surgical approach for PMP between January 2012 and March 2020 were retrospectively included. This approach was offered for patients with low-grade PMP with PCI > 28 for which feasibility of a complete CRS in one operation was uncertain. The first surgery included a complete CRS of the inframesocolic compartment and omentectomy. HIPEC was delivered at the second surgery, after complete CRS of the supramesocolic compartment. Postoperative morbidity was assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification and survival results were also collected.ResultsEight patients underwent the two-step approach. The median PCI was 33 (29–39) and the median time between the two procedures was 111 days (90–212 days). One patient was deemed unresectable at the second surgery. The rate of major morbidity was 0% for the first step and 25% for the second step, with no mortality. Median follow-up was 53.8 months (3–73 months).ConclusionA two-step surgical management for low-grade PMP patients with very high PCI is safe and feasible, with acceptable postoperative morbidity and no compromise on oncological outcomes.

Single-anastomosis duodenoileal bypass as a revisional or second-step operation after sleeve gastrectomy.

One-loop duodenal switch leads to weight loss and improvement or resolution of co-morbidities similar to standard duodenal switch, and it is technically less demanding. To analyze the weight loss and metabolic improvement after conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to single-anastomosis duodenoileal bypass. University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients submitted to sleeve gastrectomy with insufficient weight loss or programmed for a 2-step surgical approach were included. Single-anastomosis duodenoileostomy was completed if there was no stricture in the stomach and no severe symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Fifty-one patients with a mean initial body mass index of 52 kg/m2 were included. Maximum excess weight loss after the sleeve procedure was 63%. Mean time to the second operation was 36 months. The common channel was 250 cm in 41 patients and 300 cm in 10 patients. The follow-up rate was 77% at 5 years. Excess weight loss and total weight loss were 79% and 39%, respectively, at 1 year from the second surgery and 79% and 41%, respectively, at 5 years. Furthermore, 47% of the patients with diabetes achieved complete remission after sleeve gastrectomy, and 94% achieved remission after conversion to single-anastomosis duodenoileal bypass. Final weight loss was significantly higher in those patients who achieved better weight loss after the sleeve gastrectomy than those who did not. Single-anastomosis duodenoileal bypass is a beneficial procedure after sleeve gastrectomy for those who fail to lose weight or those with co-morbidities or as a planned second step.

Efficacy of Two-Step Surgery on Severely Protruding Axillary Accessory Breast: First-Step Mammary Gland Excision Followed by Second-Look Redundant Skin Excision.

Symptoms of axillary accessory breasts (AABs) vary among patients. Mildly protruding AABs do not require skin excision, whereas severely protruding AABs might. We report a novel technique that includes mammary gland excision followed 6months later by second-look redundant skin excision, if necessary. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this two-step surgical approach and compared it with one-step en bloc resection in severely protruding AAB patients. This retrospective study included 834 women who underwent AAB excision during 2017-2019. AABs were classified according to their external appearance: protruding, palpable accessory breast at an obtuse angle (class I) or an acute angle with accompanying skinfold (class II). Class II was further divided according to the excision technique: one-step en bloc resection (n = 36) or two-step resection (n = 42). Patients completed post hoc satisfaction surveys evaluating appearance, axillary pain, and scar, 6months postoperatively. There were 204 class II patients and 168 patients who underwent a two-step approach; 42/168 underwent second-look skin excision, and 126/168 underwent one-step gland excision exclusively. The remaining 36 patients underwent one-step resection. Scars measured 4.3cm in the second-look group versus 6.4cm in the one-step group (P < 0.000). Overall satisfaction scores were higher in the second-look group versus the one-step group (13.6 vs. 12.3, respectively; P < 0.000). For severely protruding AABs, mammary gland excision with skin preservation comprises the first operation, and second-look skin excision can be considered 6months later. This procedure avoids overtreatment and potentially increases patient satisfaction compared with one-step en bloc excision. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Primary megaureter in the newborn period: making the case for a temporary splint-free cutaneous ureterostomy

The term "megaureter" is used to describe a markedly dilated ureter, irrespective of its underlying anatomic abnormality. Primary megaureters categorised as type I and II according to the Pfister-Hendren classification resolve spontaneously during the first years of life, whereas severely dilated type III megaureters have no potential to resolve on conservative management. Regarding this small group of very severely dilated type III megaureters, we recommend a two-step surgical approach: in a first step, we place a temporary splint-free ureterocutaneostomy for early disobstruction. In a second step, we perform the actual corrective surgery with closure of the incontinent urinary diversion when the patient is approximately one year old, a point in time when bladder function is more mature. With this strategy, ultrasound imaging provides all important information until the corrective surgery is performed. A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to rule out reflux and a MAG-3 diuretic renography can supplement the diagnostic work-up before the ureterocutaneostomy is closed.

1857 Deep Endometriosis Transvaginal Ultrasound in the Workup of Patients with Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis: A Cost Analysis

Study Objective Deep endometriosis transvaginal ultrasound (DE TVS) is accurate in the detection of ovarian and DE; however, realization of its full potential and utilization remains variable. As such, patients may require a two-step surgical approach (diagnostic followed by therapeutic laparoscopy) or experience incomplete surgical treatment. Besides the clinical implications, the economic impact of a two-step approach to diagnosis and treatment on the healthcare system is likely to be significant. We aim to compare the economic costs of two diagnostic models of care for patients with potential endometriosis. Design A health economics study using a Markov model with a 12-month time horizon. Setting A tertiary gynecology clinic. Patients or Participants A hypothetical population of 1000 patients visiting a public gynecology clinic for potential endometriosis. Interventions Comparison of the conventional model (M1), which includes the basic TVS and diagnostic laparoscopy, and the novel model (M2), which includes the DE TVS. Measurements and Main Results The Markov model was built to estimate the change to government, health service and patient costs with the adoption of the DE TVS compared to standard diagnostic methods. Australian dollars (AUD) are also depicted in the United States and Canadian dollars (USD and CAD). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to capture the uncertainty in the information used to populate the models. The total annual cost of novel model (M2) is $12,547,724.03 AUD / $8,989,464.34 USD / $11,982,759.48 CAD, cheaper than the conventional model (M1), which cost $13,472,161.67 AUD / $9,651,751.71 USD / $12,865,574.08 CAD. Conclusion For a population of 1000 women, the integration of the DE TVS may save healthcare costs of $924,437.64 AUD / $662,287.37 USD / $882,814.59 CAD annually.

Deep endometriosis transvaginal ultrasound in the workup of patients with signs and symptoms of endometriosis: a cost analysis.

Deep endometriosis transvaginal ultrasound (DE TVS) is accurate in the detection of ovarian endometriosis and DE; however, realisation of its full potential and utilisation remains variable. As such, patients may require a two-step surgical approach (diagnostic followed by therapeutic laparoscopy) or experience incomplete surgical treatment. Besides the clinical implications, the economic impact of a two-step approach to diagnosis and treatment on the healthcare system is likely to be significant. We aim to compare the economic costs of two diagnostic models of care for patients with potential endometriosis. Cost analysis using Markov model with 12-month time horizon comparing the economic costs of two diagnostic models. The study used a hypothetical population of 1000 women visiting a public tertiary gynaecology clinic. Women with potential endometriosis. Estimates for endometriosis prevalence and severity were drawn from local Australian hospital data. The conventional model (M1) includes the basic TVS and diagnostic laparoscopy. The novel model (M2) includes the DE TVS. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to capture the uncertainty in the information used to populate the models. Changes to government, health-service and patient costs with the adoption of the DE TVS compared with standard diagnostic methods. Costs are given in Australian dollars (AU$) and also in pound sterling (£). The total annual cost of the novel model (M2) is AU$12,547,724.03 (£6,826,673.63), cheaper than the conventional model (M1), which cost AU$13,472,161.67 (£7,329,620.15). For a population of 1000 women, the integration of the DE TVS may save healthcare costs of AU$924,437 (£502,946.17) annually. An endometriosis-focused ultrasound may negate a two-step surgery pathway, including diagnostic surgery, and save healthcare money.

A Two-Step Surgical Approach with Flattening of the Root Surface to Treat Localized Gingival Recessions Affecting Mandibular Incisors: A Case Series Report.

Root coverage in the anterior mandible is challenging due to a thin gingiva, shallow vestibule, and/or high frenulum. This case series reports on the flattening of the root surface to create a new emergence profile conceived with a two-step surgical approach aimed at providing more space for the graft, increasing the thickness of the gingival margin, and getting extra soft tissue in the open area of the recession. A total of 10 patients with recessions affecting the mandibular incisors were treated to evaluate this two-step approach, which included odontoplasty of the root followed by a connective tissue graft. At 1 year, the mean coverage was 100% in Class II recessions, and 80.5% in Class III. The mean keratinized tissue increase was 5.80 ± 1.75 mm. This surgical approach could be proposed as an alternative when treating mandibular anterior teeth with root prominence or with a buccally tilted position.

A two-step surgical approach combining sternotomy and subsequent thoracotomy for locally advanced lung cancers requiring both right upper lung resection and superior vena cava reconstruction.

Locally advanced lung cancers involving both right upper lung lobe and superior vena cava (SVC) requiring both lung resection and SVC reconstruction are generally deemed unresectable. However, previous evidence has proved that such patients could benefit from surgery if radical resection is achieved. Generally, a hemi-clamshell approach is adopted to complete such resection. However, it has the limitation of insufficient exposure of posterior mediastinum. Therefore, we introduced a two-step surgical approach combining sternotomy and thoracotomy for such lung cancers. A two-step surgical approach combining median sternotomy and subsequent posterolateral thoracotomy, via which radical lobectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy and SVC reconstruction could be successfully achieved, was described. We have performed such surgery via the two-step surgical approach combining median sternotomy and subsequent posterolateral thoracotomy in five patients from January 2017 to March 2018. All those patients achieved radical resection of the lung cancer with lobectomy and systematic lymphadenectomy and SVC reconstruction with artificial blood vessels, and had an uneventful postoperative recovery without any major complications. Our initial experience proved that this two-step surgical approach combining median sternotomy and subsequent posterolateral thoracotomy was safe and feasible for locally advanced lung cancers requiring both lung resection and SVC reconstruction.

Эффективность двухэтапной хирургической коррекции открытого атриовентрикулярного канала, осложненного синдромом Эйзенменгера.

Эффективность двухэтапной хирургической коррекции открытого атриовентрикулярного канала, осложненного синдромом Эйзенменгера.

Эффективность двухэтапной хирургической коррекции открытого атриовентрикулярного канала, осложненного синдромом Эйзенменгера.

Цель: на основании результатов инвазивного мониторинга давления в легочной артерии (ИМДЛА) определить показания к возможному выполнению радикальной коррекции открытого общего атриовентрикулярного канала (ООАВК), осложненного синдромом Эйзенменгера (СЭ).

Near miss for big red: a unique case of penetrating glass injury of the thoracic spine and posterior mediastinum.

A 42-year-old female with no significant comorbidities presented to our care with a penetrating glass injury to her mid-thoracic spine after falling backwards onto a table. A large fragment of glass was protruding from her spine, and multi-planar computed tomography imaging revealed protrusion through the thoracic spinal vertebrae with the glass shards located 2 mm from the aortic lumen. The management of this patient posed several challenges, including initial care of the patient, evaluation of potentially affected structures and the appropriate sequence of therapeutic interventions. After multidisciplinary discussion, our trauma, thoracic and neurosurgical teams formulated a diagnostic workup and two-step surgical approach to address her injuries. Here we present the approach used by our team to successfully manage this type of injury. We hope this case report represents a platform for future discussion on best management approaches in patients presenting with the low-velocity penetrating thoracic, spinal and posterior mediastinal trauma.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic colpectomy in female-to-male transgender patients; technique and outcomes of a prospective cohort study

BackgroundGender-affirming surgeries in female-to-male (FtM) transgender patients include mostly hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and mastectomy. Sometimes further surgery is performed, such as phalloplasty. Colpectomy may be performed to overcome gender dysphoria and disturbing vaginal discharge; furthermore, it may be important in reducing the risk of fistulas due to the phalloplasty procedure with urethral elongation. Colpectomy prior to the reconstruction of the neourethra seems to reduce fistula rates on the very first anastomosis. Therefore, at our center, colpectomy has become a standard procedure prior to phalloplasty and metoidioplasty with urethral elongation. Colpectomy is known as a procedure with potentially serious complications, e.g., extensive bloodloss, vesicovaginal fistula or rectovaginal fistula. Colpectomy performed via the vaginal route can be a challenging procedure due to lack of exposure of the surgical field, as many patients are virginal. Therefore, we investigated whether robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TLH–BSO) followed by robot-assisted laparoscopic colpectomy (RaLC) is an alternative for the vaginal approach.MethodsRobot TLH/BSO and RaLC as a single-step procedure was performed in 36 FtM patients in a prospective cohort study.ResultsMedian length of the procedure was 230 min (197–278), which reduced in the second half of the patients, median blood loss was 75 mL (30–200), and median discharge was 3 days (2–3) postoperatively. One patient with a major complication (postoperative bleeding with readmission and transfusion) was reported.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report of RaLC. Our results show that RaLC combined with robot TLH–BSO is feasible as a single-step surgical procedure in FtM transgender surgery. Future studies are needed to compare this technique to the two-step surgical approach and on its outcome and complication rates of subsequent phalloplasty.

Double arterial perfusion strategy for extensive thoracic aortic surgery to avoid lower body hypothermic circulatory arrest

To analyse our results of using a double arterial perfusion strategy to avoid lower body hypothermic circulatory arrest after extensive thoracic aortic surgery. We analysed the intra- and perioperative courses of 10 patients (median age 58 years, median logistic EuroSCORE 14.6) who underwent extensive thoracic aortic surgery with a double arterial perfusion strategy. The main goal of double arterial perfusion is to separate myocardial and supra-aortic from systemic perfusion. Aortic repair starts at the most distal level of the descending aorta, followed by reinsertion of the supra-aortic vessels, and ends with completion of the proximal anastomosis or by any kind of root repair as needed. Seven of 10 patients had prior surgery of the thoracic aorta. Indications for surgery were post-dissection aneurysm in 4 patients, true aneurysm in 3, anastomotic aneurysms in 2 and Type B aortic dissection with pseudo-coarctation in 1. Surgical access was performed through median sternotomy with left hemi-clamshell extension in all cases. There was no in-hospital mortality, but perioperative neurological symptoms occurred in 2 patients. These 2 patients developed delayed stroke (after awaking) after an initial uneventful clinical course, and in 1 of them, neurological symptoms resolved completely during follow-up. The median follow-up was 7 (± 13) months. There was no death and no need for additional redo surgery during this observational period. Extensive surgery of the thoracic aorta using a double arterial perfusion technique in order to avoid lower body hypothermic circulatory arrest is an attractive option. Further refinements of this technique may enable the safe and effective simultaneous multisegmental treatment of thoracic aortic pathology in patients who would otherwise have to undergo a two-step surgical approach.

Extra-abdominal lumbar abscesses caused by retroperitoneal gastrointestinal perforations through the lumbar triangle of Petit: report of two cases diagnosed by CT

Extra-abdominal abscesses of gastrointestinal origin developing within the lumbar subcutaneous tissues are extremely rare. We report two cases of retroperitoneal bowel perforation presenting spontaneously at admission with a lumbar abscess trespassing the lumbar triangle of Petit, a classical "locus of minus resistencia" of the posterior abdominal wall. The first case was caused by perforation of a retrocecal appendicitis--being concomitantly responsible of a necrotizing fasciitis of the thigh--and in the second case perforation was caused by left colonic diverticulitis. In both cases, the full diagnosis was made with abdominal CT. The patients were threatened by a two-step surgical approach comprising a direct posterior percutaneous drainage of the abscess followed by classical laparotomy.

A treatment strategy for complex cases of osteomyelitis in children and its applicability on three exemplary cases

The aim of this study was to carry out a two-step surgical approach for complex cases of pediatric osteomyelitis. The surgical technique used here involved initial bone debridement and stabilization by a customized spacer (intramedullary Kirschner wires mantled with refobacin-palacosa cement). After infection eradication, the spacer was removed and distraction osteogenesis performed. This study included one boy and two girls (aged 7-10 years) with severe osteomyelitis (tibia: two, femur: one). At least 50% of the bone was initially resected, and either a bifocal physeal distraction (tibia) or callus distraction (subtrochanteric osteotomy) was performed. At discharge they were able to walk without assistance. Complete infection eradication and load restraining reconstruction was achieved in all three children.