Vapor-permeable membrane therapy for ulcers of osteomyelitis

Two patients with chronic ulcerations secondary to arterial insufficiency of the distal extremities were found to have concomitant osteomyelitis immediately beneath the ulcers. An adjunctive would care regimen is described in which local excision or debridement of the involved bone with subsequent systemic antibiotic therapy was the initial treatment. The resultant cutaneous defect was then covered with a vapor-permeable membrane and allowed to close by secondary intention. Rapid and complete healing occurred in both cases in spite of the compromised arterial supply to both areas. This technique is a useful adjunct to the treatment of ulcerations associated with chronic osteomyelitis.