[The treatment of bone and joint infections in developing countries]

One hundred eighteen patients--with 151 osteitis and 33 septic arthritis--were treated in a second category hospital in Sahel (Africa) between 1987 and 1988. A very simple and inexpensive treatment was used; this is of great importance in developing countries, with poor general hygiene and limited reserves of antibiotics. There is no special equipment required, excepted basic instruments for bone surgery. The results were: a) out of a total of 119 patients, 103 cures: 87.3% 7 amputations: 6% 7 failures: 6% 1 death (among the amputees) 1 lost to follow-up b) out of 151 osteitis, 134 cures: 88.7% c) out of 33 arthritis, 21 cures: 63.6%. This series shows that amputation is no longer necessary if the treatment is long enough. Amputation is indicated exceptionally in young patients, even in the poor conditions of the developing countries.