The treatment of osteitis complicating tibial fractures

A six-part scheme for the treatment of osteitis complicating tibial fractures is presented: (1) wound excision; (2) external fixation; (3) open irrigation drainage; (4) cancellous bone grafting; (5) split skin grafting; (6) full weight bearing in a plaster cast. Of 20 cases, 14 of which were ununited, remission of the infection was achieved in 17 with in 27 months (mean 10.8 months). All 14 ununited fractures went on to union within 20 months (mean 9.5 months).