ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of tibial bone-skin flap grafts in the management of se- vere traumatic osteomyelitis complicated with bone and skin defect in leg to avoid amputation.Methods From March 1998 to Aug.2004,12 cases of the traumatic osteomyelitis complicated with bone and skin defect in leg were treated with vascularized tibial bone-skin flap graft.The longest flap was 17cm,widethest 10cm, The longest bone flap was 12cm.They were followed up for 0.6 to 5 years.Results All the tibial bone-skin flaps survived completely,2 cases of osteomyelitis recurred.The followed-up,from 0.5 to five years,showed good bone union in all cases,averageing 15 weeks.The infection was under control.The leg function and con- tour were satisfactory.Conclusion The tibial bone-skin flap has the advantages of having distinguished sign of anatomy,highly vascularized,easy to obtain,simply and flexible procedure,improving circulation,short- ens hospitalization and suitable for treatment of traumatic osteomyelitis complicated with bone and skin defect in leg.