Objective
Osteomyelitis, the bacterial inflammation of the bone, is a widespread and serious disease in developing countries. Frequently this disease develops into a chronic condition which may result in loss of function and mutilation of the diseased limb. As well as the disablement and suffering of individual patients the economic costs of this widespread disease must be stressed. The main causes for the development of osteomyelitis are open fractures with inadequate initial treatment and systemic infections leading to hematogenic dissemination of bacteria Hematogenic dispersed infections are often found in tropical countries fostered by diseases creating immunodeficiency syndromes, such as sickle-cell anaemia, HIV-infection, malnutrition, tuberculosis, and others. Two methods of treatment of chronic osteomyelitis are to be compared: first, the conventional treatment including sequestrotomy and curettage, second, the modern procedure of segmental resection and callus distraction using Ilisarov's external ring fixator. The objective of the study is the development of an appropriate method of treatment of osteomyelitis patients in developing countries and a cost effectiveness assessment of two competing methods.
Funding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
89075 Ulm
Germany
Participants (1)
Kumasi
