Reverse Sural Flap with Bifocal Ilizarov Technique for Tibial Osteomyelitis with Bone and Soft Tissue Defects

Tibial osteomyelitis, in association with bone loss and a soft tissue defect, poses a significant reconstructive challenge, especially in high-risk patients. We describe a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus tibial osteomyelitis with intercalary bone loss successfully managed with bifocal Ilizarov compression osteogenesis at the bone resection site and proximal distraction osteogenesis, accompanied by a reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap performed with a delayed technique. When free tissue transfer is not a reconstructive option owing to medical comorbidities or patient refusal, the reverse sural flap combined with bifocal Ilizarov compression and distraction osteogenesis can provide a reconstructive option to achieve limb salvage for these challenging cases. (C) 2014 by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. All rights reserved.