A calf tissue flap combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate for foot and ankle osteomyelitis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of a calf tissue flap combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate (artificial bone or mixed iliac bone graft) in the treatment of foot and ankle osteomyelitis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 11 cases of foot and ankle osteomyelitis which had been treated at Department of Hand and Microsurgery, The Third Hospital of Baoji from October 2018 to October 2021. There were 8 males and 3 females, aged (42.3±23.7) years. The chronic hypotoxic osteomyelitis was repaired and reconstructed after thorough debridement at one stage with a calf tissue flap combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate artificial bone to fill the cavity and cover the wound. The acute infected trauma was repaired and reconstructed after thorough debridement at the second stage with a calf tissue flap combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate artificial bone to fill the cavity and cover the wound only after the acute infection was controlled by local dressing, drainage or negative pressure therapy and systemic anti-infection treatment at the primary stage. The flap size ranged from 3.5 cm × 2.0 cm to 12.0 cm × 6.0 cm. Four cases were treated by a peroneal artery perforator flap combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate artificial bone, 3 cases by a flap with peroneal artery perforator and peroneal nerve trophic vessel combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate artificial bone, 3 cases by a posterior tibial artery perforator flap combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate artificial bone, and one by a peroneus longus muscle flap combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate artificial bone. Postoperatively, the flap survival, bone union time, ankle function and complications were observed; the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by comparing infection control indexes at the final follow-up [clinical manifestations like local redness, swelling, pain, ulceration, and exudation, and white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and calcitoninogen (PCT)].Results:All the flaps survived except for one which developed necrosis at the distal 1/3 of the flap but responded to dressing change. All the patients were followed up for (22.6±11.5) months. The 6-month follow-up revealed that all the flaps were fine in shape and texture. Re-examinations showed that WBC, CRP, ESR and PCT were normal or close to normal, the local skin was free of redness, swelling or ulceration, and protective sensation was restored to varying degrees. X-ray at (12.1±2.3) months showed that lesions disappeared, bony union was achieved, the ankle joint regained basic flexion and extension, and the affected limb also regained weight-bearing and walking functions in all the patients but one whose X-ray at 18 months showed poor bony union but no other symptoms or signs.Conclusion:In the treatment of foot and ankle osteomyelitis, a calf tissue flap combined with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate artificial bone can promote bone healing and restore the function of the foot and ankle because it not only fills the cavity and covers the wound but also effectively controls the infection.