[Optically controlled bone marrow removal in osteomyelitis treatment].

The present paper reports on the various methods of treating osteomyelitis and the development of an aid to visual monitoring of surgical findings in long bones. With this instrument a true-color assessment of bone cavities is possible without major cortical fenestrations causing impairment of biomechanics. On the basis of examples of treatment of various cases of hematogenous and chronic osteomyelitis, as well as infected total replacements, the potential of this instrument and the necessity of painstaking and visually monitored removal of marrow from the cavities is demonstrated. Results so far, after 6 years of use, admit the conclusion that the chances of success in the treatment of osteomyelitis are increased with this instrument.