The value of intramedullary reaming in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of long bones.

Between 1985 and 1990 25 patients with chronic osteomyelitis (osteitis) of long bones were treated by intramedullary reaming. In most cases the aetiology of the osteomyelitis was posttraumatic. 22 of these patients who had undergone intramedullary reaming at least 6 months ago were evaluated. The average postoperative observation period was 26 months, range (7-60 months). During this time, 21 patients showed no signs of recurrence. One patient produced a little extraosseous sequestrum 3 months after the operation but since then has had no recurrence. The purpose of this study is to propose intramedullary reaming as an excellent treatment for chronic osteomyelitis of long bones and show the pathophysiological background that led to this modality.