Chronic osteomyelitis: results obtained by an integrated team approach to management.

Background: The pathology of chronic osteomyelitis suggests that thorough debridement of bone and soft tissue, with closure of dead space, supported by appropriate antibiotics would be the optimal therapeutic strategy.

Methods: In 1993, we formed a multidisciplinary Bone Infection Team (orthopaedic surgeon, infectious diseases specialist, plastic surgeon, and nurse practitioner) to apply those principles to the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. We present the outcomes of such therapy in 82 patients treated by the Team in the first seven years.