Hemi-corticotomy in the management of chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia.

We reviewed 20 cases of chronic osteomyelitis of the tibial diaphysis without shortening or deformity resulting from different causes. Debridement included removal of the anterior half of the tibial cortex with any sequestrum, leaving the posterior cortex intact with its vascular muscle attachments. This was then followed by hemi-corticotomy (hemi-circumferential corticotomy and partial bone fragment transfer) in order to reconstruct the resulting defect. This technique proved effective in 19 out of the 20 patients. Follow-up was by plain radiography and sedimentation rate estimations, with an average follow-up of 34 months after operation. In nine patients, early removal of the fixation frame immediately after segment transfer followed by cast application produced the same outcome as achieved with patients in whom the frame remained in position until the end of the procedure.