[The conservative treatment of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children]

Radioisotopes were used to study the water spaces of the bone and bone marrow in 47 dogs with a created model of acute osteomyelitis. By the 3rd-5th day of experimental osteomyelitis sharp hyperhydration of the bone marrow and bone proper was revealed which was caused by a 2.5-2.8-fold increase of the volume of intercellular fluid in the zone of the affection, leading to circulatory disorders and necrosis. Dehydration of the tissues is accomplished by inflicting numerous percutaneous osteoperforations (NPO) with Kirschner's wire. The osteoperforations are made not at random but in a regular manner through both walls of the bone in two interperpendicular planes. Circulation in the zone of the affection is restored in this case and osteonecrosis in prevented. Conservative methods of treatment of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis were developed according to the stage of its development and were applied in 168 patients whose ages ranged from 20 days to 14 years; in 75% of patients who were admitted in the early stages of AHO the disease took and abrupt course. In patients with neglected forms of AHO three-fourfold infliction of NPO in the subacute stage produced a stimulating effect on reparative regeneration in the zones of osteonecrosis and the forming sequestra.